A high-level task force set up after a reported HIV case met for a second session under the direction of the Prime Minister, with the meeting presided over by Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Bhatti. The task force is chaired by Major General (Retd) Azhar Mehmood Kayani and includes senior officials and health experts.
Participants included former Special Assistant on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza, the Special Secretary Interior Islamabad, the Additional Secretary Health, the Director General Health, and senior representatives from the Institute of Public Health Lahore and the Health Services Academy. Infectious disease expert Dr. Sabiya Qazi attended, while provincial health secretaries joined by video link. Officials from the National Institute of Health, DRAP, provincial health departments, UNAIDS and the Common Management Unit were also present.
The HIV Task Force was tasked with a full investigation of the reported incident, determining responsibility and producing actionable recommendations to prevent similar events. Members were specifically instructed to investigate any instances of contaminated syringe reuse and submit a comprehensive report with practical measures for infection control.
The task force asked NIH, CDC and the CMU to activate a real-time dashboard to ensure timely monitoring of HIV cases, trend analysis and improved coordination between agencies. The dashboard will be used to strengthen case surveillance and streamline the national response.
Delegates agreed on drafting a National Public Health Law to bolster measures against the spread of HIV and other bloodborne infections. While progress on auto-disable syringes has been noted, the HIV Task Force highlighted persistent challenges in the effective implementation of safe clinical practices and urged renewed focus on infection prevention and control.
The group directed that HIV testing be made mandatory as part of routine screening and preoperative protocols, and called for regular inspections of medical facilities and pharmacies with strict penalties for violations. The task force emphasized immediate action against the sale or mislabelling of reusable syringes and ordered enforcement of patient safety protocols across all care settings.
To reduce syringe reuse, the task force stressed the need to guarantee timely availability of essential medical supplies and to ensure all healthcare commissions are fully active, empowered and enforcing regulations. Targeted testing, treatment and prevention services must reach high-risk groups and affected areas to curb further transmission.
DRAP was instructed to carry out a stringent nationwide crackdown on reusable syringes and to maintain continuous monitoring of medical stores, pharmacies and distribution networks. Clear, sustainable responsibilities were assigned to relevant institutions to translate the task force’s recommendations into operational action.
The task force also directed authorities to ensure home delivery of medicines and standard medical support for children living with HIV, and ordered border health services to screen deportees and incoming travellers at airports and entry points. The HIV Task Force said these measures are essential to protect patients and restore public confidence while investigations continue.
