Larkana ART Centre Reports 73 New HIV Cases Among Children in June
The Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Centre at Chandka Medical College (CMC) Children’s Hospital in Larkana recorded 73 newly diagnosed HIV-positive children during June, highlighting the continued need for early diagnosis, treatment, and strengthened healthcare services in the region.
According to hospital officials, many of the newly registered patients belong to different areas of Khairpur district, while the centre continues to receive children from several neighboring districts.
Growing Caseload Increases Pressure on Healthcare Services
Officials say the ART Centre provides regular follow-up care to approximately 20 patients each day. As the number of patients continues to grow, staff members have highlighted the need for additional healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and junior doctors, to help meet increasing service demands.
Hospital representatives also noted that parts of the building require maintenance, emphasizing the importance of improving healthcare infrastructure to support patient care.
Screening and Early Diagnosis
Doctors at Chandka Medical College Children’s Hospital said routine HIV screening has been introduced in the hospital’s outpatient department to help identify cases at an earlier stage.
Healthcare teams are working closely with ART services to ensure that individuals with positive screening results receive confirmatory testing, counseling, and access to appropriate treatment.
According to hospital sources, children receiving care range from infants only a few months old to teenagers.
Progress in Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission
Medical specialists say significant progress has been made in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV through timely testing, diagnosis, and treatment during pregnancy and after birth.
Doctors explained that early medical intervention can greatly reduce the risk of transmission and improve long-term health outcomes for both mothers and children.
Continued Focus on Prevention
Health experts say preventing HIV transmission requires continued public awareness, safe medical practices, properly screened blood transfusions, infection-control measures, and access to quality healthcare services.
Medical professionals also stress the importance of using sterile medical equipment and strengthening disease surveillance systems to reduce preventable infections.
Expansion of HIV Treatment Services
Although an ART Centre has recently been established in Gambat, officials said specialized pediatric HIV treatment services are still being prepared before becoming fully operational.
Healthcare authorities expect that expanding treatment facilities and increasing trained medical staff will improve access to care for children and families in the region.
Experts continue to emphasize that early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and community awareness remain essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of HIV.
