Vector-borne diseases: Lack of accurate data hampers policy formulation, says expert

Adopt healthy lifestyle and take 10,000 steps a day to avoid diseases, says cardiologist.

ISLAMABAD:

Health experts have termed lack of an accurate data on prevalence of vector-borne diseases as the main hurdle in formulation of a policy for their  containment.

They expressed concern over the alarming rise in vector-borne disease (malaria, dengue fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever) cases in Pakistan.

“Most of the provincial health departments usually hide the exact number of such cases to get appreciation from the government,” Consultant Internal Medicine at Shifa International Hospital Dr Abdus Salam said while speaking at a seminar on vector-borne diseases at the National Press Club on Monday. The event was orginasied by the hospital to mark the World Health Day.

Dr Salam, who is also emergecny medicine director at SIH, said 50 to 60 people die of congo fever annually in Pakistan.

To contain its spread, he said, the government should ensure provision of clean drinking water, improve sanitation, emergency treatment to patients besides raising awareness about vector-borne diseases’ prevention.

He also suggested engaging senior doctors at emergency departments in hospitals.

Cardiologist Saeedullah Shah urged the participants to adopt healthy lifestyle and take at least 10,000 steps a day to avoid diseases.

Around 200 journalists and their family members got free screening and medical advice at a free medical camp, opened by Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar.

The minister said the government was trying its best to improve the healthcare system. She admitted, however, that contaminated water and poor sanitation was one of the main causes of vector-borne diseases.

“The government will put all its efforts to provide safe drinking water to the citizens,” she claimed.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2014.