Karachi is undergoing a baffling outbreak of Diphtheria Cases, with more than 100 children succumbing to this disease with some quite frightening associated illnesses. Bacteria cause diphtheria, an infectious disease that is highly communicable and destructive, primarily targeting the throat and air passage systems. Without appropriate treatment, it poses serious health risks. However, even if it was quite possible to eradicate it through adequate immunization, the lack of immunization is making this disease fatal, especially to children.
A Comparison with Previous Year’s Data: Diphtheria Cases
For instance, the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital based in Karachi confirmed in 2019 that there were 140 diphtheria cases, with 52 children dying of them. This year, however, the situation seems to be even worse, with figures continually rising and no effective measures put in place to control the outbreak. There are even vaccines that could prevent this deadly ailment, unfortunately, the children remain unvaccinated and this worsen the infection rates.
Addressing the difficulty of Containment of the Outbreak
Health officials confirmed that they send all recorded cases of diphtheria to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital for further management. Currently, however, more than a dozen children are receiving treatment. The worst fear is the unavailability of the diphtheria antitoxin, which is critical for treating infected patients. Medics have cautioned that without this antitoxin, many lives are in jeopardy, making it increasingly difficult to combat the effects and impacts of diphtheria.
Diphtheria Cases: Treatment of Diseases has a High Cost
The fight against diphtheria is not only the issue of the non-availability of the antitoxin but also the non-affordability of the costs to treat this disease. According to the experts, the expenditure for one child’s medical care can range from two hundred to two hundred and fifty thousand Pakistani rupees. Such amounts are beyond the reach of most families, and consequently, many children who are in need of such help are not assisted – that which is unwise as many’s lives hang in the balance. This high cost of treatment and lack of effective treatment continue to worsen the crisis.
Vaccination: Why It’s Necessary
The only effective means of stopping diphtheria is vaccination. Health experts caution parents to ensure that their children receive vaccinations aimed at controlling this disease. Routine immunization programs do not cover vaccinations; instead, health authorities introduce targeted immunization strategies when a throbbing diphtheria epidemic occurs. However, low awareness and compliance with vaccines are putting children’s lives at risk.
Public Awareness Progressive Action for Change
In addition to vaccination efforts, we must raise awareness among the general population that diphtheria is a dangerous disease that can be avoided. We need to focus on informing parents about the importance of proper and timely vaccinations for their children. In addition, the government has to strengthen provisions for campaigns to promote all vaccines and also ensure adequate supplies of medicinal products such as antitoxin.
It is alarming to note a rise in the prevalence of diphtheria in the regions such as Karachi. However, this life-threatening ailment can be checked by appropriate immunization and prompt treatment administration upon infection. There is an urgent need for both the government as well as the members of the public to act in an expeditious and effective way so as to avoid unnecessary deaths and also ensure the protection of the children of Karachi.
