Poor screening driving HIV surge: experts

Health experts have underscored that rigorous screening of blood prior to transfusion is imperative to prevent the transmission of HIV and other life-threatening diseases.

Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, former Federal Minister for Health Dr Zafar Mirza, alongside Dr Rana Jawad, Dr Qaid Saeed, Asghar Satti, and HIV patient Nayyar Majeed, highlighted key factors contributing to the rising incidence of HIV in Pakistan.

The speakers stressed that strict adherence to blood screening protocols is essential to curb the spread of communicable diseases, particularly HIV and hepatitis. They called on healthcare providers to comply fully with established safety procedures and emphasised the need to enhance public awareness regarding safe medical practices.

Dr Mirza noted that the reuse of contaminated syringes and inadequate screening of blood transfusions remain among the principal drivers of the disease's spread. He urged the adoption of comprehensive measures to strengthen public health services and called upon hospital staff to exercise greater responsibility.

Referring to a serious incident at a Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, he said that dozens of patients reportedly contracted HIV due to the reuse of a single syringe, describing it as a grave lapse in medical standards.