Islamabad: In another alarming evidence of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) spillover into the general population, nine dialysis patients at the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Muzaffarabad have tested positive for the virus, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
This marks Pakistan’s first HIV outbreak among dialysis patients in Azad Jammu and Kashmir this year and follows a similar incident last year at Nishtar Hospital Multan, where dozens contracted the virus during dialysis.
Health officials in the Federal Ministry of National Health Services blamed poor infection prevention and control (IPC) practices for the repeated outbreaks among kidney patients and those requiring frequent blood transfusions, such as thalassaemia patients. They alleged that AIMS conducted dialysis without properly screening patients or maintaining dedicated machines for HIV-positive individuals.
“It is tragic that patients who came in for life-saving dialysis contracted HIV as well as Hepatitis B and C due to negligence,” said an official investigating the incident. “In most dialysis centers, HIV screening is either absent or inconsistent, and separate dialysis machines for infected patients are still not standard practice.”
While AIMS Muzaffarabad has now set aside two dialysis machines for HIV-positive patients, health officials say the damage has already been done. All other dialysis patients at the facility are currently being screened for HIV and hepatitis viruses.
HIV can spread in dialysis units through reuse of contaminated equipment, poor disinfection of dialysis machines, and unscreened blood transfusions. Although the hemodialysis process should not involve direct blood-to-blood contact, breaches in protocol—such as shared tubing, injection ports, and medication vials—can result in transmission.
AIMS Executive Director Dr. Idrees Mughal disputed allegations that the hospital was the source of infection. “Only eight cases were detected during our routine screening of high-risk patients,” he said.
“Transmission through dialysis machines is very rare. A technical committee has found no evidence of spread through the machines. A team from NIH is now tracing other possible sources such as contaminated transfusions or procedures outside the hospital.”
However, a senior federal health official said the hospital cannot absolve itself by only claiming to have detected the cases. “The problem is systemic. Most public and private centers lack basic IPC protocols,” he said, adding that AIMS and similar institutions need to take full responsibility for screening and protecting patients from iatrogenic infections.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Dr. Nisar Ansar Abdali confirmed the cases and said urgent steps had been taken under the instructions of the Prime Minister and cabinet. “HIV diagnosis and treatment are now available free of cost at AIMS. We’ve launched an immediate response with support from WHO and NIH, and formed a high-level task force to investigate all medical units including dental, surgery, and transfusion centers,” he told media.
Dr. Abdali said the team overseeing the response includes WHO’s Dr. Bushra Shams, Dr. Murtaza (C-MEDS), and other public health experts. “We’ve also issued instructions to safeguard patient privacy and dignity. A total of 60 patients are currently receiving HIV treatment at AIMS,” he added.
Officials say similar outbreaks continue in Ratodero, Sindh, and Taunsa, Punjab, where one to two children are diagnosed with HIV every day due to unsafe injections and unscreened transfusions. Despite claims of improvement, the spread remains unchecked in many areas.
Experts from WHO and UNAIDS say there is now credible evidence of generalized HIV transmission in Pakistan. “The virus is spreading due to poor infection control at health facilities, reuse of syringes, unsafe sex practices, and lack of awareness,” a WHO official told vitalsnews. “Hospitals must implement universal precautions, avoid reusing syringes, and adopt single-use equipment wherever possible.”
According to national data, Pakistan recorded over 9,700 new HIV infections in the first nine months of 2024—averaging 1,079 new cases per month. Alarmingly, only 53,635 out of an estimated 480,000 people living with HIV in the country are currently receiving treatment.
As the virus increasingly spills into the general population, experts warn that unless urgent, coordinated action is taken, Pakistan risks entering a full-fledged HIV epidemic.
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