IDP influx: Spread of polio, measles feared

Health advisory calls for inter-provincial coordination, pre-emptive measures.


Sehrish Wasif June 29, 2014

ISLAMABAD:


A health advisory was issued by the federal government to all the provincial health departments on Friday to pre-empt possible outbreak of communicable diseases potentially carried by those seeking refuge from war zones. 


The provinces have been asked to take measures to tackle public health challenges that may arise out of the movement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing North Waziristan Agency (NWA) due to the ongoing military operation. The provinces were advised by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHSRC) to activate health cluster platforms at all levels.

Talking to The Express Tribune, an NHSRC official, who wished not to be named, said time was crucial for Pakistan, adding, “There are high chances of spread of measles and polio among children with weak immune systems.”

Many displaced persons are moving to the settled areas of different parts of the country instead of refugee camps. “The massive displacement of population, with limited access to basic amenities, poses threats to the health of the displaced individuals as well as the people residing in areas where IDPs are settling,” says the health advisory.

A total of 456,508 displaced persons from 36,831 families had been registered by June 25, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

This population movement poses the threat of outbreaks of communicable diseases related to water and vector-borne diseases such as gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, measles, polio, tetanus and other vaccine preventable diseases including dengue, malaria, leishmaniasis, typhoid and hepatitis A and E.

The extreme weather conditions and vulnerabilities also significantly enhance the risk of non-communicable ailments such as general injuries, cardiovascular problems, snake bites, sunstroke and heat exhaustion. Besides this, the uncertainty and sense of deprivation has also left the displaced population at risk of psychological stress.

The advisory called for coordinated efforts on the part of the governments as well as the non-government sector to avert any untoward situation.

It suggested that non-health sectors such as district administration, police and other law enforcement agencies, Public Health Engineering Department, as well as water and sanitation agencies should be onboard.

It directed the provincial governments to provide basic and quality healthcare and sanitation facilities and ensure provision of clean drinking water to the displaced persons.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29th, 2014.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ