A laboratory assistant holds a test tube filled with an HIV-positive blood sample. Photo: application/file
The total number of confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections linked to the transmission incident at Karachi’s Kulsum Bai Valika (KBV) Hospital rose to 80 as two more girls contracted the disease, according to hospital receipts accessed by The Express PK Press Club.
Last week, Sindh Labor Minister and Chairman of Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI), Saeed Ghani, confirmed HIV infection in 78 children. The emergence of two new cases brought this total to at least 80.
Talk to The Express PK Press ClubThe father of a nine-year-old girl whose HIV infection was confirmed on Friday said his three children had tested positive for the virus.
He said his three- and 12-year-old sons tested positive for HIV a few months ago, while his nine-year-old daughter has now also been diagnosed with the virus.
The father said his daughter was admitted to KBV Hospital towards the end of 2025 for treatment of a lung infection.
Read: SHC demands ‘comprehensive’ report from Sindh govt in 2 weeks on HIV outbreak reported in Karachi hospital
“As his condition deteriorated, doctors recommended an HIV test, which came back positive,” he lamented, adding that three of his children were now living with the disease, forcing the entire family to live under immense emotional and psychological strain.
The second HIV case involved a three-year-old girl from Metroville Colony.
His father said The Express PK Press Club that her daughter had also been treated at KBV hospital before being diagnosed with HIV.
“My daughter underwent a series of medical examinations before the doctors recommended an HIV test,” he explained.
He said the little girl’s health deteriorated over time and she eventually tested positive for HIV.
The parents demanded a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and demanded strict legal action against those responsible.
Both parents also urged authorities to immediately carry out HIV testing of all children treated at KBV Hospital, so that infections are identified without delay.
Learn more: A 3 year old child is HIV positive
Residents of Zia and Metroville colonies also expressed their concerns to The Express PK Press Club as people rely on the public hospital administered by SESSI for their health care.
On July 3, the Sindh High Court had ordered the provincial government to submit a detailed report within a fortnight in response to a petition alleging that over 200 children of industrial workers had contracted HIV and nine had died due to negligence at KBV Hospital in Karachi.
Following public outcry, the SESSI governing body on July 9 approved the establishment of a Rs2 billion endowment fund for the treatment and welfare of HIV-affected children. The decision was taken during a budget meeting chaired by SESSI President Saeed Ghani.
According to officials, the fund will be used to ensure quality medical treatment and support to affected children and their families, amid growing concerns over HIV cases reported at Valika Hospital.
