Pakistan 2024 Diphtheria

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Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/12...his-year-alone

Diphtheria claims more than 100 children in Karachi
Pakistan Pediatric Association attribute outbreak to failures in routine vaccination, call for urgent investigation
By M. Waqar Bhatti
October 12, 2024

KARACHI: Amid lack of diphtheria anti toxin (DAT), more than 100 kids in Karachi have passed away this year from diphtheria disease, which can be prevented by vaccination, a health official said on Saturday.

The number of children affected of diphtheria and died of it have risen dramatically in the metropolis recently.

"Karachi is witnessing an unprecedented outbreak of diphtheria this year, with hundreds of cases recorded and at least 100 children losing their lives due to this vaccine-preventable disease," a Sindh health department official disclosed...

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Source: https://english.aaj.tv/news/33038530...heria-outbreak

Sindh reports 28 deaths due to diphtheria outbreak
Dr. Khalid Shafi emphasized vaccinating children at six, ten, and fourteen weeks of age
web-desk Web Desk
22 Oct, 2024

Diphtheria is spreading rapidly across Sindh, with the Sindh Health Department reporting 160 cases this year. Alarmingly, there have been 28 fatalities attributed to the disease, highlighting its dangerous nature.

The Secretary General of Pakistan Pediatrics Association, Dr. Khalid Shafi, stated that diphtheria spreads at a rate faster than the coronavirus. Despite this, effective vaccines are available that can prevent the disease...

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Source: https://www.devdiscourse.com/article...tion-struggles

Rising Diphtheria Cases in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Amid Vaccination Struggles
Diphtheria cases are increasing in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, prompting concerns despite ongoing vaccination efforts. Challenges in fully inoculating children persist, with over 224 cases reported this year. Health authorities aim to increase vaccination coverage, facing hurdles in remote areas, as they work to curb the disease's spread.
Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 27-10-2024 13:28 IST | Created: 27-10-2024 13:28 IST

Diphtheria cases in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are on the rise, raising concerns about children's health in the region. Despite the efforts led by the Expanded Program of Immunisation (EPI) and the K-P Health Department, the vaccination drive faces significant hurdles, leaving many children vulnerable to the infectious disease, reports the Express Tribune.

Parents, like Sajid Khan from Bannu, report shortages in diphtheria vaccinations. "If our children were fully vaccinated, there would be no worry," Khan noted. An anonymous K-P Health Department official acknowledged the vaccination shortfall, with only 60% of children immunised even with available resources like bikes for vaccinators.

Data indicates 224 cases recorded in 2024 with hotspots in Peshawar and surrounding districts. Hospital records show current treatments in place. Efforts are underway to catch up on missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to exceed the 90% coverage mark, as highlighted by Muhammad Arif Khan, Director of EPI K-P....

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Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/125...ia-cases-in-kp


Low vaccine coverage spiking diphtheria cases in KP
By APP
November 18, 2024

PESHAWAR: Low vaccine coverage during Covid-19 pandemic has caused a rise in cases of Diphtheria as hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are receiving noticeable number of children infected with this rare and serious infection that usually affects mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

The paediatric ward of KP’s largest hospital, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), is overcrowded with children infected with Diphtheria, a vaccine-preventable fatal infectious disease that is caused by the toxin-producing bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheria.

According to data, around 212 patients have arrived in LRH till October month of current year 2024.

The situation was further aggravated due to a shortage of Diphtheria Antitoxin Serum (DAS), a medication made up of antibodies used in the treatment of complications in diphtheria patients.

Complications in most cases are because of the late arrival of patients to hospitals, says Dr. Amir Muhammad of Paediatric Department LRH.

The alarming situation in Diphtheria re-emergence is that around 80 percent of patients are zero doses who have not received any vaccination, observed Dr. Amir Muhammad...

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Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2510787...hildren-in-k-p

Diphtheria outbreak claims lives of 26 children in K-P
Unvaccinated children in KP are the hardest hit by diphtheria, with 380 cases reported.
News Desk November 20, 2024

A deadly outbreak of diphtheria in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province has claimed the lives of 26 children, with provincial health officials warning of its alarming spread.

Health department data reveals that 380 children have been affected by the disease this year, with Peshawar recording the highest number of fatalities at 12, Express News reported.

Other districts, including Nowshera, Charsadda, and Mohmand, reported additional deaths, with three in each of the former two and two in the latter.

“Most of the children who succumbed to diphtheria were over five years old,” officials stated, adding that 228 union councils across 27 districts in K-P are currently affected.

The lack of complete vaccination among children has been identified as a significant factor. “The affected children did not complete their routine immunisation courses, which has left them vulnerable,” health authorities confirmed...