KARACHI:
In recent months, Karachi has witnessed a troubling surge in cases of dengue and malaria, two vector-borne diseases that continue to plague the city due to poor sanitation and delayed fumigation efforts. As per reports from the Sindh Health Department, over 1,500 dengue cases were recorded in September alone, with most incidents reported from District East. The rise in malaria cases further complicates the situation, leading to widespread concern about the city’s ability to handle this public health emergency. The root cause of the rise in these diseases can largely be attributed to the deteriorating hygiene conditions in Karachi. Blocked sewer lines and poor garbage collection systems create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit dengue and malaria. This not only shows the inefficiencies in managing Karachi’s sanitation system but also raises questions about the government’s preparedness to tackle these epidemics. While municipal bodies blame the lack of resources, it is clear that recent initiatives could have prevented the spike in cases. Experts continue to emphasise the need for early fumigation drives to prevent the spread.
With the climate changes, the spread of these mosquito-borne diseases is expected to worsen unless immediate action is taken. Urgent efforts from both the public and government are needed to prevent future outbreaks and protect the citizens of Karachi from further health risks.
Ijaz Faheem
Karachi
