More than 700 children in Pakistan were infected with HIV, the virus that can cause Aids, through unsafe injections to treat them for conditions such as diarrhoea and through contaminated blood donations, according to an investigation. They call for urgent action to improve infection control, the running of blood banks and the regulation of clinics in Pakistan. Most of the affected children were given injections with contaminated, re-used needles. “Use of syringes and needles is widespread, and Pakistan has one of the highest rates of unsafe injections in the world. In a commentary to the journal, Prof Mark Cotton from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, wrote: “Poor infection control, unsafe injections, unlicensed practitioners, low HIV awareness, and stigma have combined with horrific consequences.

Source: The Guardian December 19, 2019 23:26 UTC