he malpractice of re-using syringes is driven by a complex interplay of socio-economic disparities, cultural beliefs about healthcare, spirituality and regulatory failures rather than a simple lack of equipment or qualified paramedics. These malpractices significantly fuel epidemics of blood-borne pathogens like HIV,” says Dr Mureed Malik, a psychologist who has been researching the HIV outbreak in Taunsa Sharif.

According to Dr Malik, psychological factors and the scarcity mindset were also at play. “The staff reused syringes to save money. They continue to do so,” he claimed.

Some civil society activists say that lack of awareness of the hazards of reusing syringes was the main factor behind the HIV outbreak in Taunsa. They also say that cultural barriers prevent th affected people from seeking help.

“There is a need for continuous coaching of citizens. Several factors were left unaddressed in the design of a prevention strategy after the outbreak surfaced,” says Dr Malik.

In spite of the news breaking, so far no doctor or paramedic has been held responsible for the HIV outbreak that has shaken the small town. The Health Department has yet to take action.

The department has asked the staff not to share information about new cases to avoid media hype. All data regarding HIV spread - including blood test reports – is confidential. The medical staff has been warned against speaking to journalists regarding the outbreak.

Taunsa Sharif Tehsil Headquarters Hospital focal person Dr Nawab Saroop refused to share any information with The News on Sunday although the Health Department has nominated him as the focal person, presumably to share information with journalists. Instead, the official told TNS that he could not share any details.

Speaking anonymously, some officials have confirmed that the Health Department had transferred the Taunsa deputy director, Hasan Jan, on account of with the HIV outbreak.

Civil society activists in Taunsa say the Health Department conducted a crackdown, last September to stop misuse of its facilities. The doctors and paramedics then set up their clinics on private properties.

Taunsa THQ hospital medical superintendent Dr Qasim says that Punjab Healthcare Commission conducted successful raids against 512 quacks’ clinics in Taunsa Sharif in September 2025. It sealed 205 centres and imposed heavy fines on quacks.

He says the government is working on multiple initiatives to prevent an outbreak in the future. Dr Buzdar says that no private blood screening is allowed and all tests are being conducted at the Taunsa THQ hospital.

Nazir Ahmed, a former Human Rights Commission of Pakistan council member, fears that lack of HIV awareness may result in some HIV carriers consulting quacks and the so-called spiritual healers instead of qualified medical professionals.

He says awareness is vital to prevent the spread of the virus, eliminate harmful social stigmas and connect affected people with life-saving preventative care and treatment. By understanding how HIV is transmitted, how it impacts the immune system and how it can be managed, communities can reduce infection rates.

Education regarding HIV is also key for other reasons including awareness campaigns to educate individuals about safe practices, such as not sharing needles and using preventive medications like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

He says there is a need to launch a full-fledged campaign to encourage routine tests. “As HIV can exist without showing any symptoms, getting tested is the only way for a person to know their status. Early detection allows prompt medication. However, not a single HIV orientation or awareness session has been held in the town after the HIV outbreak.”

PML-N ticket holder Malik Anwar says Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been regularly seeking updates on addressing the pediatric HIV crisis in Taunsa.

“The chief minister chaired a special meeting in March to review reasons for the reported spread of AIDS in Taunsa tehsil, soon after the news broke,” says the politician.

“She directed the authorities concerned to not only determine causes of the spread of HIV, but also fix responsibility for the criminal negligence. She directed them to establish a joint mission of the UNICEF, the WHO and the Health Department to trace history of the affected children from April 7 to 14, last year, and to conduct screening of the households in the affected areas. She ordered the constitution of a joint mission for facts finding to present suggestions for the prevention and control of HIV.”

The writer is the bureau chief of The News in Multan. He may be reached at [email protected]