Diphtheria Cases Surge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, diphtheria cases are rising, posing health risks to children despite vaccination efforts by the Expanded Program of Immunisation (EPI) and the K-P Health Department. Challenges in fully vaccinating children persist, with only 60% coverage achieved. Sajid Khan, a concerned parent, highlighted the scarcity of vaccines in areas like Bannu. An anonymous K-P Health Department official noted the difficulties in reaching vaccination targets, even with door-to-door efforts.
From January to October 2024, 224 diphtheria cases were reported, with Peshawar having the highest concentration. The Pediatrics Department at Lady Reading Hospital is treating 170 cases. In 2023, the outbreak was more severe, with over 1,900 cases and 200 deaths. Muhammad Arif Khan, Director of EPI Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, announced a catch-up program to vaccinate children missed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The province has an adequate supply of Diphtheria Antitoxin Serum and is sharing it with Balochistan.
Authorities are optimistic about reducing diphtheria incidence with ongoing vaccination campaigns. Arif urged parents to ensure their children are fully immunised against diseases like diphtheria and measles. The efforts continue to control diphtheria in vulnerable areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Doubts Revealed
Diphtheria -: Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat. It can make it hard to breathe and can be deadly if not treated. Vaccination can prevent it.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa -: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern part of the country and has many mountains and valleys.
Expanded Program of Immunisation -: The Expanded Program of Immunisation (EPI) is a global health initiative. It aims to make sure children get vaccines to protect them from diseases like diphtheria.
K-P Health Department -: The K-P Health Department is a government organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It works to keep people healthy by providing medical services and vaccinations.
Vaccine scarcity -: Vaccine scarcity means there are not enough vaccines available for everyone who needs them. This can make it hard to protect people from diseases.
Bannu -: Bannu is a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is one of the areas facing challenges in getting enough vaccines.
Peshawar -: Peshawar is the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is a large city and has reported the highest number of diphtheria cases in the region.
Catch-up program -: A catch-up program is an effort to vaccinate children who missed their vaccines earlier. This is important to protect them from diseases they could have been vaccinated against.
COVID-19 pandemic -: The COVID-19 pandemic was a global outbreak of a new coronavirus. It affected many countries and made it hard for people to get regular healthcare, like vaccines.