KARACHI: Six children of a family died of the measles outbreak in the suburbs of Matiari district, Sindh province, Pakistan, local media reported on Saturday.
According to details, more than four other children in the village are still affected by the infectious disease. All the deceased children and those currently battling measles belong to the same family.
Earlier reports from nearby Shikarpur district indicated that four children, including an infant, succumbed to measles in recent months, bringing the total death toll to 12 within the district. Among the deceased were nine-month-old Uzma Khoso, three-year-old Nasser, Waqar, and Shahida.
Health officials have attributed the fatalities to the lack of vaccination among the affected children. Over 180 children showing symptoms similar to measles have been admitted to the civil hospital in Shikarpur since the beginning of 2024.
The Sindh health department has faced criticism for its perceived inadequate response to the escalating measles cases and deaths in the region. Despite assurances from Sindh’s health minister, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, regarding special vaccination drives, concerns persist over the effectiveness and coverage of these initiatives.
Dr. Pechuho previously announced a vaccination campaign aimed at addressing measles and other preventable diseases. The campaign, which included typhoid immunizations for millions of children, sought to mitigate the resurgence of measles cases resulting from missed vaccinations.
In a statement, Azra Pechuho said that a vaccine drive started from May 13 to 25 for typhoid vaccination. “In Sindh, 8.9 million children of six months to 15 years’ age vaccinated for typhoid immunization”.
Measles cases have been increasing across most regions mainly due to missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 years when health systems were overwhelmed and fell behind on routine vaccinations for preventable diseases.
