Indus Vitals

In the recent weeks, there have been reports highlighting developments made locally and globally towards elimination of a major health concern –cervical cancer— affecting hundreds of thousands of women. Matching to other provinces in the country, Sindh has also started preparations for introducing a preventive human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). World Health Organisation (WHO) has also approved two more new HPV vaccines for global marketing, which are being seen as a good omen, as unified approach and actions have emerged towards eliminating cervical cancer from everywhere across the globe. Cervical cancer, attributed to the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, is a major health issue in low and middle income countries including those in South Asia. It is estimated that every two minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer globally. South Asia accounts for 22.2% of global cervical cancer cases and 26.4% of cervical cancer deaths. At present as much as 141 countries...

KARACHI: Pakistan's struggle with tuberculosis continues, ranking fifth among countries with the highest burden of the disease globally, according to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 released on October 29. The country reported an estimated 686,000 TB cases and 48,577 deaths in 2023, accounting for 6.3% of the global TB burden. Pakistan joins India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), and the Philippines (6.8%) in shouldering 56% of the global TB burden. In 2022, India accounted for 27% of the disease load, followed by Indonesia (10%), China (7.1%), the Philippines (7%), Pakistan (5.7%), Nigeria (4.5%), Bangladesh (3.6%), and Democratic Republic of Congo (3%). Rising TB deaths and notifications Pakistan's TB deaths in 2023 included those among people living with HIV who also suffered from TB. The number of newly diagnosed or relapsed cases notified with TB rose to 475,761, up from 424,566 in 2022 and 339,256 in 2021. Globally, TB ...

The alarming rise of HIV-positive voluntary blood donors in Sindh has prompted health experts and authorities to take immediate action. Key Recommendations:  - Improve blood screening and testing protocols. Dr Syed Faisal Mahmood - Enhance donor education and awareness campaigns. - Increase access to HIV testing and counseling. By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: When contacted by this reporter, Dr Syed Faisal Mahmood, head of the Infectious Diseases section at the Aga Khan University, remarked that the situation is alarming, but the rates of HIV positive cases are still low, against the rates of some other transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) in the community. “Towards a way out I will suggest to ensure that screening of blood is mandatory; is being done with reliable test kits; and that any positives are linked to care and they are not lost,” he said. “Due to weaknesses of the blood collection and transfusion system, there are more undetected people in Sindh, leave alone the hi...

By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: As thousands of polio managers and field workers in Sindh prepare to launch another mass OPV plus vitamin-A campaign on October 28, a data study suggests that authorities in Sindh need to reassess and refine their strategies to combat polio, moving beyond the notion that the Pakhtoon migratory population is solely responsible for the spread of the virus in the province. “The situation requires a more nuanced approach, addressing the root causes of the spread effectively, rather than attributing the problem to a specific ethnic group,” experts said. Startling facts and alarming trends have emerged in Sindh's 12 new human polio cases this year, according to experts working on the subject. - Urdu speaking families: Two cases were reported in Urdu speaking families living in Hyderabad's UC 50 and UC 12, with the virus linked to environmental samples (ES) found positive in Hyderabad (May 2024). - Sindhi ethnic children: Four Sindhi children were de...

*272 new HIV cases reported monthly since Jan 2023, primarily among high-risk groups; Virus may exceed 0.1% threshold in general population.* By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: With an average of 272 new HIV cases reported every month since January 2023 across Sindh, primarily among high-risk populations, infectious disease experts have raised alarm as additional data from registered blood banks—involving voluntary and exchange donors only—suggests that the virus may have exceeded the largely satiating threshold of 0.1% among the general population in the province. Experts have emphasised the need for overhauling provincial prevention and control mechanisms as well as the activation of the long-notified but inactive provincial guiding body on HIV –Sindh AIDS Commission. A study of HIV data acquired from the provincial health department revealed that during 2023 and 2024 (till August), Sindh had a total of 5,444 new people living with HIV. Men accounted for 61% (3,342) of the cases, includi...

IV Report KARACHI: A seminar organised at the University of Karachi (KU) has emphasised that a collective failure of communities and government functionaries concerned in addressing the management issues of solid waste, including medical and hospital refusals, was causing diseases to the population. In his special address at the seminar, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Mahmood Iraqi noted that inadequate management of solid waste was contributing not only to environmental adversities and aesthetics in major cities across Pakistan but also serving as disease breeding source. Despite passage of time, the country does not have a proper system for disposing of medical waste in most hospitals in Pakistan, he said, stressing adequate and scientific disposal system for hospital waste, which is often found in regular trash dumps, posing significant dangers to human health. Experts from academic and managerial backgrounds attended the "Sustainable Solid Waste Management" semina...

IV Report KARACHI: On the eve of World Polio Day, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, MNA from Sindh and First Lady of Pakistan, has stressed the need for increased vaccinations, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, and strong support for polio workers to make Pakistan polio-free. This comes as Sindh reports 12 new polio cases this year, contributing to Pakistan's total of 39 confirmed cases and over 400 positive environmental samples in 2024. Ms Bhutto emphasised that the stakes have never been higher for Pakistan's children, citing polio's two-decade threat to their future. "Now, more than ever, it is critical that we rally together to protect them through sustained and consistent vaccination efforts," she said. She noted that despite progress, the resurgence of polio in areas like Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa underscores the urgency of the situation. Praise for health workers Ms Bhutto praised the tireless efforts of polio and lady health workers ac...

KARACHI: Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) registered yet another 168 new breast cancer patients so far this year, taking the tally of such patients to 930 since 2021 at the hospital. Almost half of them were diagnosed as stage-4 patients –hard to be cured and survive, this emerged last week. According to doctors at the oncology department of the CHK, the newly registered cases this year include a 19-year-old woman, besides 15 patients in 20s, while age of other patients ranged from 30 to 70 years. In all, the hospital registered around 800 patients suffering from different kinds of cancer this year, of whom around 25% are breast cancer patients of different stages, seeking different medical and surgical interventions for the disease, said a senior doctor, estimating one out of four cancer patients suffer from breast cancer. The registered breast cancer patients are provided with imaging (Mammography, CT scan and MRI) facility, and biopsy and surgical covers. Among the t...

IV Report KARACHI: As Pakistan grapples with rising breast cancer cases, experts stressed the importance of prioritising breast health during an awareness-raising event organised by Faysal Funds, a subsidiary of Faysal Bank Limited, on October 20. The event, held in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, brought together women professionals and students who engaged with healthcare expert Rabel Khawaja from Aga Khan University Hospital on critical topics ranging from self-examination to mammography and early detection. "This initiative demonstrates our commitment to tackling one of the most pressing health concerns affecting women today," stated a Faysal Bank communication. During the comprehensive session, Ms Khawaja shared valuable insights on risk factors, screening recommendations, and self-examination techniques, empowering attendees to take proactive control of their health. Raising awareness about breast cancer is vital in combating the disease, emphasised M...

- 219 suspected/confirmed diphtheria cases - 40 deaths, 18% fatality rate - Low vaccination coverage blamed for outbreak IV Report KARACHI: Amidst reports of a gradual increase in diphtheria outbreak cases received at hospitals across the province, the Sindh Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) confirmed late October 16 that 59 more people affected by the bacterial disease have landed in hospitals in 12 days since October 5, taking the tally of suspected or confirmed diphtheria patients to 219 for 2024. An official statement said there were five confirmed diphtheria outbreaks in districts - Central, West, Keamari in Karachi division and Dadu, Larkana - which registered 40 deaths this year. This marks a 43% increase against 28 deaths confirmed by October 5. The overall fatality rate stands at 18%. The EPI has initiated case response activities in all affected union councils of districts concerned. So far, 878 children under five years of age have been vaccinated with the...

IV Report KARACHI: A recent surge in diphtheria cases has sparked widespread concern across Sindh, particularly in Karachi, where the majority of cases have been reported. According to sources at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and the National Institute of Child Health, the facilities continue to receive suspected diphtheria cases. The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has emphasised the need for governmental action to prevent and treat the outbreak. "The situation demands an effective vaccination campaign, along with the provision of antitoxins through government channels across the country," said PIMA President Prof Dr Atif Hafeez Siddiqui. Dr Siddiqui attributed the outbreak to the ineffectiveness of the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Many children missed their vaccinations during this period, making them vulnerable to the disease," he explained. Healthcare personnel have noted that most confirmed c...

IV Report KARACHI: Sindh's healthcare system just got a much-needed boost in its fight against the deadly diphtheria outbreak, thanks to the World Health Organisation’s donation of over 500 vials of anti-diphtheria medicine to help deserving children across the province. Quarters concerned are considering this free supply is a huge relief, especially considering the recent reports of the antidote's unavailability amidst the outbreak. Dr Muhammad Naeem Rajput, Project Director of the Sindh Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), confirmed that about 550 doses of the anti-toxin were received on October 13 night, with immediate distribution to hospitals. A supply of DAT will also be sent to Larkana Children Hospital today (October 14). The collaboration between Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, WHO Sindh office, and Sindh EPI made this donation possible. Furthermore, according to a source, Sindh EPI plans to introduce a booster dose of DTP-containing vaccine fo...

One hospital sees 72 cases,  20 fatalities in 2024 By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: A surge in diphtheria cases has hit Sindh, with 72 cases reported this year alone at one major hospital in Karachi, resulting in 20 tragic fatalities. This disturbing trend is part of a larger yearly increase in the infectious disease. The situation is further complicated by the scarcity of antitoxin medicine, which Sindh authorities have struggled to procure or import for months. Experts point to late diagnosis and inadequate healthcare as contributing factors to the high fatality rate. Sindh health department data reveals a 17% overall fatality rate among 160 recorded diphtheria patients. The fatality rate varies across divisions, with Shaheed Benazirabad reporting the highest at 37% (35 patients), followed by Karachi and Sukkur at 14% (73 and 14 patients, respectively), and Larkana at 3% (31 patients). Alarming trends: The Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital (SIDH) in Karachi admitted 72 diphtheria...