A laboratory assistant holds test tubes filled with HIV positive blood sample. Photo: APP/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 seen by Express Pakinomist.
Last week, Sindh Labor Minister and Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) Chairman Saeed Ghani confirmed HIV infection in 78 children. The emergence of two new cases increased the number to at least 80.
speaks to Express Pakinomistthe father of a nine-year-old girl whose HIV infection was confirmed on Friday said all three of his 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 in late 2025 for treatment of a chest infection.
Read: SHC demands ‘comprehensive’ report from Sindh government in 2 weeks on reported HIV outbreak at Karachi hospital
“As her condition worsened, the doctors recommended an HIV test which came back positive,” he lamented, adding that now three of his children were living with the disease, causing the entire family to live under immense emotional and psychological strain.
The second case of HIV involved a three-year-old girl from Metroville Colony.
Her father told Express Pakinomist that his daughter also received treatment at KBV Hospital before he was diagnosed as HIV-positive.
“My daughter went through a series of medical tests before the doctors recommended an HIV test,” he explained.
He said the toddler’s health deteriorated over time and she eventually tested HIV positive.
The parents called for a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and demanded strict legal action against those responsible.
Both parents also urged the authorities to conduct immediate HIV screening for all children receiving treatment at the KBV hospital so that infections are identified without delay.
Read more: 3-year-old tests HIV-positive
Residents of Zia Colony and Metroville Colony also expressed their concerns to Express Pakinomist as people depend on the SESSI managed government hospital for healthcare.
On July 3, the Sindh High Court had asked the provincial government to submit a detailed report within two weeks in response to a petition alleging that over 200 children of industrial workers were infected with HIV and nine died due to negligence at the KBV Hospital in Karachi.
After public outcry, SESSI’s governing body approved the creation of a Rs2 billion endowment fund for the treatment and welfare of children affected by HIV on 9 July. The decision was taken during a budget meeting chaired by SESSI Chairman Saeed Ghani.
According to officials, the fund will be used to ensure quality medical care and support for affected children and their families, amid growing concern over HIV cases reported at Valika Hospital.
