Diphtheria relief: Sindh receives 500+ vials of life-saving medicine

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 for children under 5 starting in 2025.

Currently, the situation remains concerning: Sindh has seen 160 diphtheria patients, with 30 related deaths this year as of October 5. Currently, 19 children are admitted for  diphtheria treatment at Karachi's Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and National Institute of Child Health. Sindh's overall fatality rate stands at 17%, with Shaheed Benazirabad reporting the highest at 37%, according to official statistics.

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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