Health experts stress blood screening to curb HIV

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2026) Health experts have emphasized that proper screening of blood before transfusion is essential to prevent the spread of HIV and other life-threatening diseases.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad, former Federal Minister for Health, Dr Zafar Mirza along with Dr Rana Jawad, Dr Qaid Saeed, Asghar Satti, and HIV patient Nayyar Majeed highlighted key factors contributing to the rise in HIV cases in Pakistan.

Experts stressed that proper screening of blood before transfusion is essential to curb the spread of communicable diseases, particularly HIV and hepatitis.

They urged healthcare providers to strictly follow screening protocols and emphasized the need to raise public awareness about safe medical practices to prevent the transmission of these life-threatening infections.

Dr Zafar Mirza said that the reuse of contaminated syringes and inadequate screening of blood transfusions are among the leading causes of the disease’s spread.

He urged to take comprehensive measures to improve public health services. He called on hospital staff to act with greater responsibility, citing a serious incident at a Tehsil Headquarters Hospital where dozens of patients reportedly contracted HIV due to the reuse of a single syringe.

He revealed that nearly 70 percent of blood transfusions in Pakistan are not properly screened, increasing the risk of transmitting diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

He stressed that strict screening protocols must be enforced to curb the spread of these infections.

He urged both authorities and the public to take the matter seriously and work collectively to raise awareness and strengthen preventive measures.