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Sindh Children Face HIV Crisis: PMA Sounds Alarm
27 Jan
Summary
- Nearly 4,000 children registered HIV-positive in Sindh province.
- Over 100 new HIV cases reported in Karachi alone recently.
- PMA demands crackdown on illegal clinics and unsafe practices.
The Pakistan Medical Association has declared a high-level alert due to a significant surge in HIV cases affecting children in Sindh, Pakistan. The provincial registry indicates 3,995 children are HIV-positive, with over 100 new cases identified in Karachi alone in recent times. This health crisis poses a substantial threat to the nation's socioeconomic stability, potentially plunging families into debt due to the high cost of lifelong treatment.
The PMA has called for immediate and strict enforcement of infection control protocols. Concerns have been raised regarding the efficacy of the Sindh AIDS Control Programme, especially after the 2019 Ratodero outbreak. The association is urging for crackdowns on quack clinics and illegal blood banks, citing repeated violations of global safety standards and the unsafe reuse of medical equipment like syringes and razors.
To combat this escalating issue, the PMA advocates for criminal proceedings against those violating laws related to medical practices and blood screening. They also emphasize the need to counter social stigma through public awareness campaigns in schools and colleges about HIV's causes and effects. The full implementation of the Sindh HIV and AIDS Control Treatment and Protection Act is deemed crucial to prevent discrimination in educational and professional settings.
