Asma, 10, was diagnosed with HIV despite her mother, Sughra, testing negative| Courtesy

An investigation by BBC has found unsafe injection practices at a government hospital in Pakistan linked to a rise in HIV infections among children.

The report by BBC Eye identified 331 children who tested positive for HIV in Taunsa, Punjab, between November 2024 and October 2025. Many of the cases are believed to be linked to the reuse of contaminated syringes during routine medical treatment.

Undercover filming at THQ Taunsa Hospital showed syringes being reused on multiple patients and poor hygiene practices, including failure to use gloves and improper disposal of medical waste.

Health experts say such practices increase the risk of spreading infections, including HIV.

Local authorities had earlier promised action after the outbreak was first reported in 2024, but the investigation found the unsafe practices continued months later.

Officials at the hospital denied the findings, while government authorities said no conclusive evidence has confirmed the hospital as the sole source of the outbreak.

Health experts warn that weak infection control, shortage of supplies, and overuse of injections are contributing to the spread of disease, calling for stricter safety measures to protect patients.