An Epidemic of Pediatric HIV from Reuse of Infusion Equipment in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND From April to June 2019, 909 new HIV infections were identified in Larkana, Pakistan; 86% were children age 1000), whereas no case-children and 17% of control-children had received only intramuscular injections (aOR 0, 95% CI 0 to 41). Among case-children, 94% had been given infusions through a drip set compared to 85% of control-children (aOR = 7.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 26). Infusions had been administered with reused IV drip sets 70% of case-children compared to 8% of control-children (aOR = 197, 95% CI 16 to 2400). DISCUSSION Private physicians reusing intravenous drip sets to treat outpatients seen in private practice were responsible for this HIV epidemic. Mapping and regulation of private practitioners was suggested.