Disturbing Practices at Hospital Linked to Child HIV Outbreak in Pakistan

Tue Apr 14 2026 20:26:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Undercover filming reveals troubling hygiene practices at a hospital connected to a severe HIV outbreak, where syringes were reused on children, raising fears of viral transmission.

A BBC investigation has unveiled alarming injection practices at THQ Taunsa Hospital in Punjab, Pakistan, where syringes were reused on multiple children despite a significant HIV outbreak. This negligence raises serious concerns about the safety protocols in place, especially following the deaths of several young patients. Health officials claim they are working on improvements, but evidence suggests that unsafe methods continue to plague the facility, endangering the lives of vulnerable children.

Disturbing Practices at Hospital Linked to Child HIV Outbreak in Pakistan

Warning: This story contains details that readers may find distressing.

Mohammed Amin was eight when he died shortly after testing positive for HIV. His fevers were so severe that he insisted on sleeping in the rain, writhing in pain like he'd been thrown in hot oil, says his mother, Sughra.

His sister, 10-year-old Asma, also contracted HIV, and they believe both children were infected through contaminated needles at government-run THQ Taunsa hospital in Punjab. This is part of a broader outbreak where 331 children have tested positive for HIV since late 2024.

Despite efforts to crack down on unsafe practices, a recent undercover investigation revealed syringes being repeatedly reused on patients, raising fears of further transmission among vulnerable populations. Witnesses reported at least ten incidents where the same syringe was used for multiple doses from a single vial.

Dr. Altaf Ahmed, a respected microbiologist, cautioned that even new needles do not eliminate the risk of HIV transmission via reused syringes. Undercover footage captured multiple violations of healthcare protocols, including injections without gloves.

Hospital officials, including medical superintendent Dr. Qasim Buzdar, refuted the claims, attributing the footage to misrepresentation or previous management, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

This troubling situation continues to unfold, with children like Asma facing lifelong treatment for a virus they were carelessly exposed to, while systemic issues in Pakistani healthcare remain unaddressed.