Sindh's Lack of Fumigation Sparks Disease Outbreak

Sindh province is facing a serious health crisis as mosquito-borne diseases continue to rise, with over 267,000 cases reported from January to November, primarily malaria. The most affected area is Hyderabad, with more than 126,000 cases, followed by Larkana, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, and Karachi.

• Malaria: 265,021 cases
• Dengue: 2,179 cases, including one death in Karachi
• Chikungunya: 189 cases

According to Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro of the Pakistan Medical Association, these figures might be underreported due to gaps in surveillance and limited diagnostic capacity. The lack of regular fumigation drives and a limited focus on preventive healthcare are major reasons for the rapid spread.

Key contributing factors include:

• Absence of Fumigation: Irregular fumigation efforts have allowed mosquito populations to grow unchecked.
• Neglect of Preventive Healthcare: Government resources are primarily directed to tertiary hospitals, overlooking primary healthcare and preventive measures.
• Limited Clean Water Access: Lack of access to clean water worsens the spread of these diseases.

This crisis emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, regular fumigation, and a shift towards primary healthcare to combat mosquito-borne diseases effectively.