An Edo couple, Mr. And Mrs. Praise Mumbor, is in a state of confusion on how their first child got infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The couple believed their 19-month old baby got infected after receiving blood transfusion at a private hospital in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Baby Jeremiah was admitted at the private hospital after suffering high fever and doctors said his Packed Cell Volume (PCV) dropped to a critical level of 15 and recommended a blood transfusion.

Two months later, baby Jeremiah fell ill again and was made to undergo another round of blood transfusion but his health did not improve.

His father, Mr. Praise Mumbor, said they were referred to the Edo Specialist Hospital where multiple screenings showed Jeremiah has contacted HIV.

He said laboratory investigations on him and wife showed they were HIV negative.

A doctor at the Edo hospital who pleaded anonymity said: “We had to run thorough screening on the couple. Results confirmed they are HIV negative. So, the possible explanation is the transfused blood”.

The father, who vowed to pursue justice, accused the private hospital of gross medical negligence.

He said: “My baby Jeremiah will mark his two years birthday in September 28 this year. He is our first child, I am sad and pained what has happened to him. My wife and I don’t have HIV, how come he is now a carrier of HIV?

“On February 6, 2025 my baby was sick, we took him to Safe Bliss Medical Centre where he was admitted. The doctor said my baby blood was very low and that we should buy blood (N40,000.00) for him otherwise his veins would collapse. I paid and they gave him the blood two times, after two days he was discharged from the hospital.

“Again, on May 5, 2025 my baby was sick, we rushed him to the same Safe Bliss Medical Centre, the doctor also said my baby needed blood, I said I don’t have money and that I will donate blood for my baby.

“The doctor said no because the lab staff to screen my blood before transfusion has closed. I contacted my people, they sent me money, so I paid (N35,000.00) for the blood because I don’t want my baby to die, he was transfused, three days later, he was discharged.

“In Edo Specialist Hospital, they collected our blood samples, did many tests and we were later told that my baby is not SS but AS and he is HIV-positive”.

A doctor at the private facility, Dr. Adesotu Humphrey, told The Nation all clinical procedures for blood transfusion were observed before the transfusions were performed on the baby.

Adesotu said an independent investigation into the incident was underway.

He said the child tested negative for HIV in the facility before the blood transfusions and dismissed allegations by the father that he was not allowed to donate blood to his son.

However, the couple has petitioned the Edo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, demanding justice for their child.

The couple, in the petition, said the incident has left the family in emotional trauma. (The Nation)