KARACHI, PAKISTAN:
Across the country, dengue cases have been surging with more than 25,000 active cases. Many people have also lost their lives. Despite the sharp rise in cases, both the government and the people have adopted a careless attitude. The flood-affected areas are the hardest hit as many regions are still inundated with water and have become a hotbed for mosquitos. Relief workers and the government have not provided affectees with mosquito nets, mospel, and other medication to prevent them from dengue.
Even regions that weren’t affected by the floods are experiencing high infection rates, particularly, Hyderabad, Karachi, Peshawar, etc. Disruptions in the water supply have compelled people to store water in containers. Sewerage water accumulation on roads has also raised the risk.
The healthcare system is already struggling to cope with Covid infections and flood victims affected by different diseases. Now with dengue cases spiralling, hospitals will fail to accommodate patients and we may witness a disastrous situation. Provincial governments and municipal authorities must step up efforts to contain dengue and inform people about precautionary measures. Widespread fumigation should be carried out and drainage systems should be cleaned regularly to avoid water accumulation.
Javed Baloch
Hyderabad
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2022.
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