Despite being a low transmission season, around 10 children are currently admitted at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital (SIDH) at NIPA in Karachi with measles, while four children are undergoing treatment for diphtheria.
Similar cases are being reported at other health facilities of Karachi, including the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) and private hospitals, where children are being treated for vaccine-preventable diseases. The primary cause, according to health experts, is vaccine hesitancy and parental negligence.
Each year, thousands of children in Pakistan die from diseases like pneumonia, measles, neonatal tetanus and diphtheria. These deaths are preventable with vaccines that are offered free of charge nationwide through the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI). Yet, a large number of children remain unvaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to these deadly diseases.
“One of the major reasons behind high child mortality is that many parents in Pakistan don’t get their children vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases despite the availability of free vaccines,” said Prof Jamal Raza, paediatric endocrinologist and public health expert currently serving as the executive director of the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN).
He lamented that parents often spent thousands of rupees on treating their sick children in private facilities but neglected their basic duty of getting them vaccinated. “We always blame the government for not doing enough, but parents also fail to fulfil their responsibilities. The government has established vaccination centres across the country and spends billions on procuring world-class vaccines, training manpower and maintaining the cold chain to ensure the vaccines remain effective. Yet, hundreds of thousands of children remain unvaccinated,” he added.
The health expert further noted that when unvaccinated children with measles or diphtheria were brought to health facilities, parents often falsely claimed that their children had been vaccinated. “When we ask for vaccination cards or any proof, they fail to produce it. This shows their negligence and dishonesty. Parents must understand that vaccination is a fundamental right of their child and a responsibility they cannot ignore. It not only protects their own child but also the children in the community,” he emphasised.
Dr Abdul Wahid Rajput, medical superintendent of the SIDH, confirmed the alarming number of cases of children with vaccine-preventable diseases. “At least 10 children with measles and four with diphtheria are admitted to our hospital. The primary reason for these outbreaks is parental inaction and refusal to vaccinate their children. These parents endanger the lives of their children and cause unnecessary suffering,” he said.
Dr Rajput maintained that unvaccinated children often required expensive treatment, which most families could not afford at private hospitals. “I always advise parents to act before their children fall sick. Vaccination can prevent death, disability and financial hardship,” he stressed.
Paediatrician and former secretary general of the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) Dr Khalid Shafi pointed out that vaccine hesitancy was not a new issue but had been becoming increasingly problematic.
“Vaccine hesitancy is evident from the outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases across Pakistan. Diphtheria cases are declining at the moment, but measles cases are on the rise. Last year was particularly bad for measles, and now we’re seeing an increase again,” he said.
He explained that many parents brought children suffering from measles who were four to five years old and unvaccinated. “When asked about their vaccination status, parents often lie. But upon further questioning, they admit their children are not vaccinated. Without vaccine hesitancy, we wouldn’t have such a huge disease burden,” he stated.
Pakistan’s EPI offers vaccines against 12 deadly diseases, including polio, measles, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B and whooping cough. These vaccines are available free of charge at public health facilities, and the government has made significant efforts to ensure their availability. However, lack of awareness, misinformation and cultural resistance continue to hinder vaccination coverage.
The experts urged the parents to prioritise their children’s health by ensuring timely vaccinations. “Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective and impactful interventions to reduce child mortality,” said Dr Rajput. Health officials have also been calling for public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of vaccination laws to improve coverage and prevent future outbreaks.
Published in News Daily on 21-January-2025.