Suspense Crime Sach Ka Dam
Pneumonia Outbreak in Pakistan: Battling Adversity Amidst Harsh Weather
The recent surge in pneumonia cases in Pakistan has raised significant concerns, especially in the Punjab province. Over the past three weeks, the combination of severe cold and pneumonia has led to the tragic demise of more than 200 children. Shockingly, according to the provincial government, a majority of these children had not received the pneumonia vaccine; they were malnourished, and their weakened immune systems couldn’t fend off the infection.
Morning Assembly Ban
In response to the crisis, the government has imposed a ban on morning assemblies in all schools across the province until January 31 due to the adverse weather conditions. The situation is alarming, with 10,520 reported pneumonia cases, resulting in 220 deaths. Most casualties are children under the age of 5, and 47 of these fatalities occurred in the provincial capital, Lahore.
Deaths Due to Lack of Vaccination
The government attributes a significant number of deaths to the lack of vaccination against pneumonia, coupled with malnutrition, leading to compromised immunity. Witnessing the rising pneumonia cases, the government has instructed hospitals to enhance facilities and expand services for young children.
Three Vaccines for Pneumonia Prevention
Mukhtar Ahmad, the director of the vaccination campaign in Punjab, emphasizes that infants born in Pakistan usually receive their first pneumonia vaccine around six weeks after birth. The government aims to vaccinate all children against various diseases, administering 12 vaccines by the age of 2, including three specifically targeting pneumonia prevention.
Advice for Parents
In light of the escalating viral pneumonia cases, Ahmad advises parents to take immediate measures to mitigate its impact. This includes having children wear face masks, maintaining hand hygiene, and ensuring they are appropriately dressed for warmth. Additionally, parents are urged to promptly consult senior doctors if their child exhibits any symptoms of pneumonia.
Anticipating Improvement with Seasonal Changes
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Ahmad expresses hope that with improvements in weather conditions, the cold spell will subside, leading to a positive shift in children’s health. The focus remains on reducing the number of pneumonia cases and gaining control over the current crisis.
The pneumonia outbreak in Pakistan, particularly in the Punjab province, demands urgent attention and collective efforts to prevent further loss of young lives. Vaccination campaigns, coupled with awareness programs for parents, are crucial elements in combating this health crisis.
