Sindh's deadly diphtheria crisis: A call to action for improved healthcare
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...