Sindh data flags Hyderabad, Larkana as continued HIV epicentres


The province records an average of 269 new HIV cases every month since January 2024; Mirpurkhas saw a staggering 110pc spike in HIV cases in last quarter of 2024; data shows shifting HIV trends across Sindh, with sharp surges in Karachi’s Malir district; in the absence of transparent data and evidence-based action, Sindh risks deepening HIV crisis

By Mukhtar Alam

KARACHI: Hyderabad and Larkana, which ranked first and second, respectively, among Sindh’s six high-burden HIV districts in 2024, have maintained their troubling positions in 2025. Together, they account for 187 new HIV cases so far this year — representing 22% of the province’s 856 registered cases — compared to a combined 637 cases (18% of 3,446 total infections) last year, according to a new analysis of the district-level data.

In contrast to persistent transmission challenges in these two districts, Mirpurkhas — previously the third most affected district— recorded a significant decline, falling to fifth place with 36 new cases so far in 2025, compared to 221 cases of last year. Conversely, Karachi’s Malir district, which ranked sixth in 2024, has experienced a sharp rise, climbing to second position in 2025, matching Larkana with 64 cases so far this year.

District-wise HIV data highlights shifting trends and emerging challenges in Sindh; however, officials from the provincial CDC-HIV wing and the Health Department did not make the data available officially, nor did they volunteer a discussion on the subject, despite repeated requests by this reporter.

Data obtained through alternative sources indicate that Mirpurkhas — which topped the list of HIV-infected children in 2024 with 150 cases — has reported 21 HIV-infected children so far in 2025. The Sindh Health Department has yet to provide an explanation for the extraordinary surge in pediatric HIV cases in Mirpurkhas in 2024.

Other districts reporting high numbers of HIV cases in children in 2024 were Hyderabad (61), Larkana (52), Shikarpur (46), Jacobabad (38), and Khairpur (23). The leading districts so far this year are: Hyderabad (28), Mirpurkhas (21), Larkana (16), Shikarpur (8), Khairpur (7), Shaheed Benazirabad (7), and Kambar Shahdadkot (6).

As for transgender persons, data reveal that 52 individuals (6% of total new cases) tested HIV-positive so far this year, compared to 254 (7%) in 2024 — reflecting persistent vulnerabilities and gaps in health safety measures among this community.
Districts reporting the highest numbers of HIV-positive transgender persons in 2024 included Hyderabad (42), Karachi Central (33), and Karachi South (29). The corresponding figures for 2025 so far are: Hyderabad (7), Karachi’s Malir district (7), Khairpur (5), Karachi’s Korangi district (5), and Larkana (4).

An overall review of district trends shows that HIV cases recorded till September 2024 were: Hyderabad (273), Larkana (173), Mirpurkhas (105), Karachi South (136), Khairpur (127), and Karachi’s Malir district (120). These figures rose significantly in the final quarter of last year, with year-end figures recorded as: Hyderabad (401), Larkana (236), Mirpurkhas (221), Karachi South (184), Khairpur (174), and Karachi’s Malir district (166).
This sharp increase translates into three-month surges of 110% in Mirpurkhas, 47% in Hyderabad, and 36% in Larkana — a serious public health development for which authorities have yet to provide clear explanations, according to sources.

As of April 18, 2025, Hyderabad tops the list of districts registering new HIV cases this year, with 123 cases, followed by Larkana (64), Karachi Malir (64), Karachi Korangi (39), Karachi Central (38), Mirpurkhas (36), Karachi South (35) and Khairpur (35).

Cumulatively, from 2014 to August 2024, Sindh had listed 24,891 people living with HIV. Although recent details on modes of exposure have not been made public, data compiled by the CDC-HIV wing of the Sindh Health Department in 2023 identified the following primary transmission modes (up to August 2024):
Sexual transmission (7,901 cases), reuse of contaminated needles/injections (6,911 cases), transfusion of blood or blood products (2,131 cases), mother-to-child transmission (1,069 cases), occupational/healthcare settings (181 cases), and surgical/dental procedures (12 cases). An additional 2,128 cases had undisclosed transmission methods.

Fresh data suggests an average of 269 new HIV cases being reported monthly across Sindh since January 2024 -- 140 men, 65 women, 27 male children, 18 female children, and 19 transgender persons.

Experts warn of worsening HIV control gap

Health experts stress that the authorities need to strengthen Sindh’s HIV control measures on urgent basis. “Efforts remain fragmented and lack strategic direction from those at the helm, while the situation demands serious, coordinated interventions to control this growing public health threat across the province,” a source close to the provincial health circle observed.

A public health specialist on infectious diseases, requesting not to be named, emphasised: “These persistent and shifting HIV trends underline a systemic failure in both prevention and surveillance mechanisms. Targeted outreach for key populations, improved paediatric screening, and stronger infection control practices are urgently needed. In the absence of transparent data sharing and evidence-based interventions, Sindh risks further escalation in HIV epidemic.”



Originally published by Social Track, Karachi (25.4.2025)

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 8, 2025 at 10:05 AM

    One of the main reasons of HIV prevalence in Hyd and LRK is the complete failure of SHCC to take actions on quack clinics ( 30% of overall HiV rise is due to rise in Quackery ) which is the mandate of SHCC and the reason why it was formed in the first place.

    ReplyDelete

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