‘How Did This Happen?’ HIV-Negative Couple Ask in Tears as Only Son, 19-Month Old Contracts HIV From Hospital Transfusion
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that, an Edo couple, Mr. and Mrs. Praise Mumbor, is submerged in heartbreak and confusion after their 19-month-old son, Jeremiah, tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), despite both parents being confirmed HIV-negative.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the family’s ordeal began earlier this year when baby Jeremiah fell critically ill with a dangerously low blood level.
In February 2025, he was admitted to Safe Bliss Medical Centre, a private hospital in Benin City, Edo State, where doctors said his Packed Cell Volume (PCV) dropped to a critical level of 15 and recommended a blood transfusion.
According to Mr. Mumbor, they were told an urgent blood transfusion was necessary to save the child’s life.
Mr Mumbor who recalled that he paid N40,000 for the blood they gave his son after the doctor said his veins could collapse if they didn’t act fast, added that his son was transfused twice and discharged after two days.
He further claimed that just three months later, in May, Jeremiah fell ill again. They returned to the same hospital, but, this time, Mr. Mumbor said he offered to donate blood himself, but his offer was rejected.
“The doctor said their lab staff had closed for the day and my blood couldn’t be screened, he said, "I had to borrow money to pay N35,000 for another unit of blood. I just wanted my baby to live.”
“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”. Mr Mumbor recalls in tears.
However, OTN News further reports from the information gathered that, a doctor at the private facility, Dr. Adesotu Humphrey, told news men that all clinical procedures for blood transfusion were observed before the transfusions were performed on the baby.
Adesotu who said an independent investigation into the incident was underway, added that 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.
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