HIV Cases Among Children at Karachi Hospital Rise to 169

KARACHI: The number of HIV-affected children at Karachi’s Valika Hospital has reached 169, with the figure continuing to rise as screening and testing of children progresses, according to hospital sources.

Five medical boards have been formed by the authorities to provide support and address the needs of HIV-affected children and their families. Registration of 142 affected children with the medical boards has been completed.

Hospital sources said bank accounts had been opened for 109 children, while two months of financial assistance from the Endowment Fund had been transferred to 76 affected families.

However, 34 affected families are still awaiting financial assistance due to incomplete documentation and issues related to Benazir cards, the sources said.

Hospital records list two deaths from HIV, while sources cited in the report said the deaths of nine children had been confirmed.

Families of children who died from HIV have reportedly not yet received financial assistance from the Endowment Fund. The matter is expected to be considered at an upcoming meeting.

The report said the registration of affected children, provision of financial assistance and accurate recording of deaths remain matters requiring attention.