Diphtheria is consolidating its hold across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Destructive, exceptionally infectious contamination affects children and adults alike

PESHAWAR:

Regardless of the fact that the disease is uncommon in created countries due to many years of immunizations, diphtheria actually plagues most created nations and is on the rise in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Diphtheria is an exceptionally infectious disease that causes breathing problems, heart rhythm problems and, if not treated in time, can cause death. However, due to the severity of the disease and despite its new rise, K-P's Wellbeing Division has not authorized any action to combat it.

As indicated by the information obtained by the common wellbeing department, around 46 cases of diphtheria were recorded in the entire territory this year, and the numbers should rise significantly further. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Rizwan Ullah, a pediatric specialist in Peshawar, said the disease is spreading due to non-availability of anti-diphtheria serum. "The Joint Welfare Division tried to import immunizations from Russia, but after the invasion of Ukraine began, the import agreement did not work out," explained Dr. Rizwan, “in addition, because cases of diphtheria have been declining across the planet for quite some time. while medical organizations stopped producing the serum."

 

Diphtheria is consolidating its hold across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

An expert informed the young man that it was a significant disease caused by a type of microbe called corynebacterium. He further added that a lack of enemy serum could end up being fatal as the absence of legitimate vaccination and treatment against the disease leads to extinction. "It affects children and adults alike, so a fiasco may not be too far off the chance that funds will not be used to provide anti-diphtheria serum," Dr Rizwan warned. Currently, of the 46 detailed cases, 17 are from Peshawar; 9 from Karak; 9 from Laki Marwat, 4 from Mardan; and 1 each from Charsadda, Hanu, Buner, Swabi, Shangla, Mansehra and Malakand. Major Expanded Program on Vaccination (EMI) K-P, Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan, when he got some information about the lack of immunizations to combat the dangerous contamination spreading in different parts of K-P, expressed that there was no shortage whatsoever.

"Antibodies against diphtheria are available at all medical clinics and basic welfare units (BHUs) throughout the territory," informed the chief. Dr. Muhamma further said that the office was in touch with drug organizations to immediately purchase additional diphtheria serum. "Additionally, we have mentioned to the government EPI to send us anti-diphtheria serum and ideally this challenge will be cleared soon. However, guardians should vaccinate their children during the standard vaccination cycle to protect them from a wide range of infections," Dr Muhammad he suggested while talking to The Express Tribune.

Several cases of diphtheria described in detail in KPK

Peshawar: A deadly disease has claimed 16 lives and affected 328 people in KhyberPakhtunkhwa. Diphtheria, an infection, spread to several places and affected two youths and an adult. Tragically, the medical office needs the enemy's anti-diphtheria serum, making things worse for the patients.

This outbreak affected individuals of various ages, from six-month-old babies to 68-year-olds. The shortage of anti-diphtheria serum intensifies the difficulties of patients seeking therapy in medical clinics.

Reports of cases of diphtheria appeared from 28 regions in the territory. Peshawar, Kohat, Kirk, Khyber and Charsadda are among the worst places, with Peshawar alone reporting 68 cases.

The Wellbeing division underlines the importance of complete vaccination of children as a preventive measure. While three servings of pentavalent antibodies will do the job for the young, adults and surprisingly the elderly remain powerless against diphtheria, presenting a critical difficulty for welfare departments.

The region has launched an electronic vaccine safe program for young people to improve vaccination uptake. Despite these efforts, there have been cases of affected children, especially those older than 2 years, being refused vaccination by some guardians.

Additionally, reports of affected children also emerged from Balochistan and Sindh, prompting investigations by aid agencies.