OUTBREAK OF HIV/AIDS IN VERY LOW RISK POPULATION IN DISTRICT LARKANA, PAKISTAN: CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Asma Nawaz*, Om Parkash, Prem Chand, Ravi Kumar, Dr. Reeta

ABSTRACT

District Larkana of Sindh Province of Pakistan is experiencing outbreak of HIV/AIDS in low risk population, majority of children below five years. Out of 28,315 individual screening 812 have suspected HIV positive. There are 668 children and 144 adults. This cross sectional study tried to find the epidemiologic links for this outbreak in respect of index case. First most evident fact during this study was possible use of contaminated syringes in local clinics by both authorized unauthorized medical practitioners. Home based circumcision, reuse of razor blades by local barbers and possible use of contaminated instruments during delivery are other most probable links for this outbreak. It is matter of serious humanitarian crises for communities in Pakistan to deal with this matter swiftly.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, epidemic, children, developing countries, reusable syringes, WHO, Sindh, Larkana, Pakistan.