Tragic Diphtheria Outbreak in Karachi
In Karachi, Pakistan, over 100 children have tragically died from diphtheria this year. This preventable disease has claimed lives due to the unavailability of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT), as reported by health officials. Last year, Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital received 140 cases, with 52 fatalities.
Challenges in Medicine Availability
Experts have highlighted the absence of the crucial antitoxin medicine across Sindh, including Karachi. The cost of treating one child with the antitoxin is approximately PKR 0.25 million.
Understanding Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a contagious disease caused by bacteria, affecting the upper respiratory tract and skin. It produces a toxin that can damage the heart and nerves. Although preventable through vaccination, multiple doses are required for immunity. Unvaccinated or under-immunized individuals are at risk.
Calls for Improved Vaccine Coverage
Experts in Pakistan have urged for better vaccine coverage, but their calls have been largely ignored. Muhammad Arif Khan, Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasized the importance of timely vaccination to prevent outbreaks.
Global and Local Immunization Challenges
Globally, 84% of children received the recommended diphtheria vaccine doses in 2023, leaving 16% with incomplete coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted immunization services. In Pakistan, immunization rates are particularly low, with Balochistan recording just 38% coverage.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi -: Karachi is a large city in Pakistan, which is a country located to the northwest of India.
Diphtheria -: Diphtheria is a serious disease caused by bacteria that can make it hard to breathe and can be deadly if not treated.
Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT) -: Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT) is a special medicine used to treat people who have diphtheria and help them get better.
Vaccination -: Vaccination is a way to protect people from diseases by giving them a small, safe part of the germ that causes the disease, so their body learns to fight it.
COVID-19 pandemic -: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global outbreak of a new virus that started in 2019, causing many people to get sick and affecting normal life, including health services.
Immunization rates -: Immunization rates refer to the percentage of people in a place who have received vaccines to protect them from diseases.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan, known for its large size and low population density, and it often faces challenges in healthcare access.
