Rise in diarrhoea

Diarrhoea has been the most underreported and unacknowledged disease in Pakistan. It has long been endemic and now the devastating floods have further aggravated the situation, showing truly how immense the problem really is. A staggering 891,915 cases were recorded during the current year while September alone saw 8 deaths and 219,707 cases — including 103,139 in children under five years and 116,568 in children above five years.

Statistics already indicated that the province had been facing a serious rise in cases since January owing to high temperatures and toxic water consumption. But the raging monsoon season has created a crisis out of it. For those higher up the social order, diarrhoea might not be a serious illness and proper treatment can get the patient healthy in a matter of days. But for those that are already malnourished and facing starvation, it becomes a life-threatening ordeal as their body cannot cope with the disease. As a result, severe dehydration can cause irreparable damage to the body or even death. Lack of healthcare facilities was always an issue, especially in remote and rural areas. Now, floods have destroyed the little healthcare system in place for vulnerable communities. The health department reports that a large majority of cases were reported in flood affected areas grappling with hunger and disease.

Medical coverage through camps and relief support have brought their desperation to the limelight. It has also shown the great divide and the difference in lifestyle between the rural and urban populace. Steps towards curbing the situation are simple, but will require funds, resources and sincerity. Apart from providing immediate medical assistance, the government must look towards rebuilding the tattered healthcare system in rural areas. Healthcare is not a privilege, it is a basic human right.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2022.

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