A recent press conference held at the Karachi Press Club painted a grim picture of the state of child health in Sindh, with experts revealing a sharp increase in vaccine-preventable diseases across the province. According to data shared during the event, 21 districts in Sindh reported 122 outbreaks of measles in 2023 alone, highlighting the dire need for improved immunization efforts.
Measles, a highly contagious disease caused by a virus, can lead to severe illness, complications, and even death, according to the World Health Organization. The recent surge in cases across Sindh has resulted in numerous fatalities, with most affected children being unvaccinated and under the age of five. Diphtheria, typhoid, rubella, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and hepatitis have also been reported in the region.
Project Director of EPI Dr. Muhammad Naeem Rajput attributes the spike in vaccine-preventable diseases to acute malnourishment and a large influx of population from northern areas of Pakistan to lower parts of Sindh. To combat these challenges, the department is working to integrate nutrition efforts with immunization programs and stepped up public awareness campaigns.
In response to the crisis, a total of 351,852 children under five years of age received measles-rubella vaccine doses during case response activities in 2023-24. However, Dr. Khalid Shafi, representing the Pakistan Pediatric Association, believes that the number of affected children is significantly higher than official reports suggest, given the limited availability of testing facilities.
Strengthening routine immunization programs and increasing coverage from two years to five years could effectively address the ongoing child health crisis in the province, Dr. Shafi suggests. Dr. Ismail Memon of Pakistan Medical Association echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for improved monitoring activities and collaboration among stakeholders.
Acknowledgement: Reported by Dawn on 15-02-2024
