KARACHI: As many as 28 children in Karachi have died from diphtheria this year, a Sindh health department official revealed on Saturday. The surge in deaths has been attributed to a shortage of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT), despite the disease being preventable through vaccination.
The official reported that so far, 166 cases of diphtheria have been documented in Sindh this year, with 28 deaths. The Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital (SIDH) has been handling all diphtheria cases. Last year, the hospital received 140 cases, 52 of which were fatal. Currently, more than 10 children are undergoing treatment at SIDH.
Experts Call for Improved Access to Antitoxin
Infectious disease experts have pointed out the dire lack of DAT, which costs approximately Rs250,000 per patient. “The only cure for diphtheria is full vaccination and treatment with antitoxin,” the experts emphasized. However, the unavailability of this lifesaving treatment across Sindh, including Karachi, has worsened the situation.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae lead to Diphtheria which is a serious bacterial infection. The bacteria produce toxins that can lead to respiratory complications, heart problems, and, in severe cases, death.
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Vaccination as the Key to Prevention
Pakistani children are vaccinated against diphtheria as part of a five-in-one immunisation, which also protects against tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. However, gaps in vaccination coverage persist.
Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan, Director of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks. “Diphtheria is a life-threatening disease, and timely vaccination is the sole way to prevent fatal outcomes,” he stated.
The infection mainly affects the throat and upper respiratory tract. It forms a greyish-white membrane that can obstruct breathing and swallowing, making it particularly dangerous for children.
Continued Struggles with Diphtheria in Pakistan
While many countries have successfully eradicated diphtheria, Pakistan continues to face periodic outbreaks. Experts warn that the persistence of this deadly disease highlights the urgent need for better vaccination programs and improved healthcare infrastructure.
They are calling on health authorities to act quickly to ensure the availability of vaccines and DAT to prevent more deaths. The rise in diphtheria cases and fatalities has underscored the importance of swift and decisive action to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
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