Islamabad, Oct 13
Pakistan's Lower South Waziristan region has witnessed a sharp rise in measles cases during the current year, sparking public health concerns in the tribal district, local media reported on Monday.
As per the official data shared by the health department, more than 850 measles cases have so far been reported in Lower South Waziristan, with the most impacted areas being Wana, Toi Khulla, Birmal, and Shakai tehsils, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported. Health officials said that the increase in measles cases is due to low vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy among patients, especially in remote and mountainous areas of the district.
Speaking to leading Pakistani daily Dawn, Hameedullah, coordinator of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in Lower South Waziristan, said that most of infected children had not been vaccinated against measles vaccine, leaving them vulnerable to the outbreak.
He stated, "Our surveillance teams found that most of the affected children were unvaccinated. In contrast, areas where the vaccination coverage was strong recorded very few cases." He said that vaccine refusal and community resistance were the major challenges faced by health workers.
Hameedullah stated, "In many areas, especially among nomadic populations and remote villages, teams face serious difficulties reaching children. Some communities are still hesitant due to misconceptions about vaccines." He said that health department has intensified emergency operations to contain the spread of the diseases despite facing obstacles.
He said that measles can be prevented through vaccination and asked parents to take the disease seriously. He reiterated that measles can be prevented through collective responsibility and urged local communities to cooperate with vaccination teams so that each child receives vaccination.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, according to World Health Organization (WHO) statement. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death. Measles can affect anyone but is most common among children. Vaccination is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Vaccine hesitancy is a global problem. In India, we've seen how misinformation spreads on WhatsApp about vaccines. Governments need to work with community leaders and religious figures to build trust. Health shouldn't become a political or religious issue.
Measles outbreaks anywhere are concerning for everyone. Diseases don't respect borders. India should offer technical assistance if requested - our Universal Immunization Programme has good experience reaching remote tribal areas. Public health cooperation would benefit the entire region.
Working in public health in Delhi, I've seen how crucial community engagement is. You can't just send health workers - you need local champions who understand the culture and can address fears. Hope they find effective local partners soon.
While I sympathize with the affected families, I wish our media would cover health crises in our own remote areas with similar urgency. We have our own challenges in tribal regions that need attention. Still, no child should suffer from preventable diseases anywhere.
The nomadic population challenge is real. India's mobile vaccination clinics for migrant workers could be a model worth sharing. Sometimes the simplest solutions - like timing vaccinations with seasonal movements - make all the difference.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.