Pakistan has launched an investigation after dozens of children were infected with HIV at a government-run hospital, amid allegations that contaminated syringes were reused.

At least 78 children contracted HIV at Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital in Pakistan’s southeastern Sindh province, said Saeed Ghani, the provincial labour minister.

Strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible, he said.

“We assure the families of the affected children that the Sindh government will not leave them alone to face this ordeal. We will ensure their complete medical treatment and provide every possible support,” he said. “There must have been negligence on someone’s part”.

The investigation into the outbreak, which was first reported in November last year, follows months of demands by the families of the children affected.

The families first sought an independent inquiry but said the government had failed to act, forcing them to approach the Sindh High Court.