ISLAMABAD: Federal health authorities have ordered a nationwide crackdown on banned conventional disposable syringes following a sharp rise in HIV cases, particularly among children. Over 2,100 children have been diagnosed with HIV in the past 15 months, with unsafe injection practices identified as a major cause of transmission.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting at the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), chaired by Director General Health Dr Abdul Wali Khan and attended by senior officials, health experts, and representatives from key institutions.
Officials highlighted growing concerns over the reuse of syringes, unsafe blood transfusions, and weak infection control measures. Experts noted that such practices are contributing significantly to the spread of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
DRAP has directed authorities to strictly enforce an existing ban on conventional disposable syringes, in place since July 2021, and to conduct a nationwide market survey to eliminate illegal products still in circulation.
A sub-committee has also been formed to evaluate replacing conventional syringes with safer auto-disable options. Authorities stressed the need for stronger healthcare monitoring and public awareness to curb unsafe medical practices.