Over 100 Children Die from Diphtheria in Karachi Amid Vaccine Shortage

This year, Karachi has faced a tragic rise in diphtheria-related deaths, with over 100 children losing their lives due to the unavailability of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT). Despite the disease being entirely preventable through vaccination, the shortage of this life-saving treatment has resulted in an alarming increase in diphtheria cases across the city, according to Sindh health department officials.

Rising Diphtheria Cases in Karachi

Health officials reported that all diphtheria cases are being referred to the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital (SIDH). More than 10 children are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with the number of cases and deaths among children escalating dramatically.

In 2023, SIDH treated 140 cases of diphtheria, with 52 fatalities. This year, however, the numbers have risen, and over 100 children have died from the disease, according to early reports. However, the Sindh Health Department later revised the figures, claiming that 28 children died out of the 166 reported cases in 2024.

Lack of Antitoxin Medicine

Infectious disease experts have highlighted the lack of available Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT) across Sindh, including Karachi. This treatment, costing around Rs0.25 million per child, is essential for curing diphtheria when administered in time. However, with the unavailability of DAT, healthcare facilities are struggling to manage the growing number of cases.

The Importance of Vaccination

Experts emphasize that the only reliable cure for diphtheria is through complete vaccination. Diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a severe infection that can lead to complications such as difficulty in breathing, heart problems, and, in severe cases, death. The bacteria produce toxins that can cause a greyish-white membrane to form in the throat, obstructing breathing and swallowing.

Children in Pakistan are vaccinated with a combination of five vaccines that protect against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type B. Experts warn that the eradication of diphtheria can only be achieved through widespread vaccination and proper medical treatment.

Preventing Future Outbreaks

Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan, Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stresses that timely vaccination is the only way to prevent diphtheria outbreaks in the community. Diphtheria, a disease eradicated in most parts of the world, still poses a major threat to children in Pakistan, due to inconsistent vaccination coverage.

With over 100 children dying from a preventable disease, urgent efforts are required to ensure the availability of vaccines and antitoxins to prevent future tragedies.

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