PESHAWAR: A deadly disease has claimed 16 lives and affected 328 individuals in KhyberPakhtunkhwa. Diphtheria, the disease, has spread across several districts, impacting both children and adults. Unfortunately, the health department lacks anti-diphtheria serum, worsening the situation for patients.
This outbreak has affected people of various ages, from 6-month-old babies to 68-year-olds. The scarcity of anti-diphtheria serum compounds the challenges faced by patients seeking treatment in hospitals.
Reports of diphtheria cases have emerged from 28 districts in the province. Peshawar, Kohat, Kirk, Khyber, and Charsadda are among the worst-hit districts, with Peshawar alone reporting 68 cases.
The Health Department emphasizes the importance of complete child vaccination as a preventive measure. While three doses of pentavalent vaccine suffice for children, adults and even the elderly remain vulnerable to diphtheria, posing significant challenges for the health department.
The province has initiated an electronic immunization registry program for children to enhance immunization coverage. Despite these efforts, cases of affected children, particularly those aged above 2 years, have been reported, with some parents refusing vaccination.
Furthermore, reports of affected children have also emerged from Balochistan and Sindh, prompting investigation by aid agencies.
