Measles outbreak

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The recent surge in measles cases across Sindh is nothing short of a public health crisis. With over 13,000 suspected and 6,670 confirmed cases reported, and at least 150 children succumbing to this preventable disease, the situation demands immediate attention.

While the health department's statistics highlight the severity of the outbreak, they also echo a concerning trend: a growing reluctance among parents to vaccinate their children.

The official data underscores this, showing that Karachi, despite being home to about 40% of Sindh's population, only recorded three measles-related deaths, because the city has higher vaccination rates than the rest of the province.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection but is also very much preventable. Unfortunately, vaccine refusal continues to spread, with many parents confidently citing cockamamie conspiracy theories spread by social media influencers and illiterate local elders.

And the worst is yet to come, as measles cases usually increase in winter - the disease is airborne and people tend to congregate indoors to avoid the cold. Meanwhile, measles hit much harder among children who already suffer from malnutrition or lack quick access to medical treatment.

At the same time, children who missed scheduled vaccinations because of the Covid-19 pandemic could easily be given doses at a late date, but that message has not reached many parents, either due to their own inaction or health authorities' failure to clearly convey the message.

While the government has recently begun taking action against parents who refuse vaccination for their children, the problem cannot be treated without addressing the people responsible for polluting the information ecosystem.

Healthcare authorities and media regulators need to penalise 'disinformers' who proudly boast of their influence and reach, and then claim to be nobodies when questioned about the consequences of their actions.