Introduction
Unsafe blood transfusions continue to fuel the spread of HIV and other life-threatening infections in Pakistan, raising serious concerns about patient safety and healthcare standards. Medical experts warn that gaps in blood screening, poor regulation, and unsafe medical practices have allowed blood-borne diseases to spread silently across the country.
According to health professionals, nearly 15 percent of HIV patients in Pakistan contracted the virus through unsafe blood transfusions, a figure that should ideally be zero in a modern healthcare system.
How Unsafe Blood Transfusions Fuel HIV Spread in Pakistan
Blood transfusion is meant to save lives, but when proper screening is not followed, it becomes a major source of infection. HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, malaria, and dengue are all diseases that can be transmitted through contaminated blood.
In Pakistan, many blood banks historically operated without standardized testing procedures. While some facilities followed international guidelines, others relied on outdated or rapid testing methods that failed to detect infections, allowing unsafe blood to reach patients.
Image placement: Blood screening laboratory
ALT: Unsafe blood transfusions fuel HIV spread in Pakistan due to poor screening systems
Fragmented Blood Banking System in Pakistan
Professor Dr. Bushra Moeez, Head of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), explained that Pakistan’s blood banking system remained fragmented for decades. Blood banks operated at varying standards, creating inconsistencies in quality and safety.
After the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial blood transfusion authorities were formed. In Sindh, the establishment of the Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA) aimed to eliminate fragmentation and improve governance by developing regional blood centers.
Between 2014 and 2020, 18 regional blood centers were set up across the country. These centers improved IT systems, donor screening, and blood safety standards, providing free and safe blood to patients in affiliated hospitals.
National Blood Transfusion Policy to Control HIV Spread in Pakistan
To further address blood safety, Pakistan has introduced the National Blood Transfusion Policy 2030, which outlines 15 strategic goals built on three pillars:
- Governance and structure
- Patient safety
- System sustainability
For the first time, blood and blood products are officially classified as drugs, bringing them under the regulatory oversight of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. This aligns Pakistan’s blood safety framework with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
CLIA and NAT Testing to Prevent HIV Spread from Unsafe Blood Transfusions
Under the new policy, all blood banks are required to use CLIA (Chemiluminescence Immunoassay) testing for screening. Previously, many blood banks relied on rapid or kit-based tests that often missed infections such as hepatitis B and C.
In addition, nucleic acid testing (NAT)—a PCR-based method—has been made mandatory. NAT can detect viruses even when they are present in very small quantities and do not appear in routine serological tests.
These advanced screening methods significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusions.
Image placement: Safe blood transfusion process
ALT: Safe blood transfusion practices to stop HIV spread in Pakistan
Blood Traceability and Donor Tracking System
The new policy also introduces a complete traceability system, allowing blood to be tracked from donor to recipient. Authorities can identify:
- When and where blood was donated
- Which blood bank processed it
- Which hospital and patient received it
If an infection is detected later, the donor can be traced through the International Society of Blood Transfusion network and permanently restricted from donating again, preventing further spread.
Regional Disease Trends in Pakistan
Data from regional blood centers reveals alarming trends:
- Hepatitis C rates are highest in interior Sindh, reaching 8–9 percent in some areas
- Karachi has a hepatitis B prevalence of around 5 percent
- Sindh is emerging as a hotspot for hepatitis C, while hepatitis B cases are increasing in Peshawar and Islamabad
Special attention has also been given to children with thalassemia, who require frequent transfusions and face a higher risk of infection if blood safety is compromised.
Expert Warning on Unsafe Medical Practices
Infectious disease expert Professor Syed Faisal Mahmood stressed that if infected blood is transfused, the disease can be transmitted 100 percent of the time. While hepatitis C is curable, HIV and hepatitis B have no complete cure and can remain in the body for life.
A survey conducted at AKUH revealed that 15 percent of HIV patients nationwide acquired the virus due to unsafe blood transfusions. Experts argue that even one such case is unacceptable.
Beyond blood transfusions, infections are also spread through:
- Reused syringes
- Unsterilized surgical instruments
- Repeated use of shared injection water
Children are especially vulnerable, though adults and the elderly are also at risk.
HIV Awareness, Stigma, and Underreporting
Experts believe that HIV cases in Pakistan are significantly underreported, while hepatitis B and C cases are much higher, placing Pakistan among the most affected countries globally.
Although effective HIV treatments allow patients to live normal lives and prevent transmission, social stigma forces many individuals to hide their condition. According to the National AIDS Control Program, HIV prevalence remains high among drug users, transgender individuals, and sex workers, but experts warn the infection is no longer limited to specific groups.
Image placement: HIV awareness or blood donation campaign
ALT: HIV awareness campaigns addressing unsafe blood transfusions in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What percentage of HIV cases in Pakistan are caused by unsafe blood transfusions?
Around 15 percent of HIV patients contracted the virus due to unsafe blood transfusions.
Which diseases can spread through contaminated blood?
HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, malaria, and dengue can all be transmitted through unsafe blood.
Why is CLIA testing important?
CLIA is a highly accurate screening method that detects infections more reliably than rapid tests.
What is nucleic acid testing (NAT)?
NAT is a PCR-based test that detects viruses at very early stages, even when standard tests fail.
Can HIV patients live normal lives?
Yes. With regular treatment, HIV patients can live healthy lives and do not transmit the virus to others.
Conclusion
Unsafe blood transfusions continue to fuel HIV spread in Pakistan, posing a serious threat to public health. While the National Blood Transfusion Policy 2030 marks a major step forward through improved regulation, advanced testing, and traceability, its success depends on strict enforcement, public awareness, and increased voluntary blood donation. Ensuring safe blood is a shared responsibility—and a critical step toward protecting lives and restoring trust in Pakistan’s healthcare system.