A serious health crisis has emerged in Taunsa, Punjab, where more than 300 children were infected with HIV within a year. The outbreak, reported between November 2024 and October 2025, has been linked to unsafe medical practices at THQ Taunsa Sharif Hospital.
An investigation by BBC Eye found that syringes and multi-dose vials were allegedly reused on multiple patients. Health experts warn that even if a new needle is used, reusing the same syringe body can still spread HIV and other infections. Witnesses also claimed that the same syringe was used on several children without proper sterilization.
Medical guidelines clearly state that syringes and needles must be used only once and then safely discarded. Failure to follow these rules can lead to the rapid spread of blood-borne diseases. Pakistan has faced similar outbreaks in the past, raising ongoing concerns about infection control in some healthcare facilities.
Officials have questioned parts of the report, but earlier warnings about poor safety practices had already been raised. This incident has left hundreds of families dealing with a lifelong condition and has highlighted the urgent need for strict monitoring, staff training, and better healthcare standards across the country.
