Infectious disease: Measles claims four lives in South Waziristan

Bereaved father says vaccine not available at Agency Headquarters Hospital

DI KHAN: At least four children died in Wana, South Waziristan Agency after contracting measles, an official of the agency’s political administration told The Express Tribune on Wednesday.

According to the official, Tammama and Asmina, daughters of Khan Zada, and Hajra and Asmata, daughters of Mir Zada, died of the infectious disease in the past two days. All four children belong to Birmal tehsil and were less than five years old.

“My daughters had high fever and I took them to Agency Headquarters Hospital but they had no medicines so I shifted the girls to a private clinic in Wana Bazaar,” said Khan Zada, a resident of Kalosha area of Birmal tehsil. He added the children could not recover and passed away on Tuesday.

Two other children have also reportedly died of measles but their names have not been ascertained, said a medic at Agency Headquarters Hospital. “Measles vaccine is not available at the hospital and private clinics. We have contacted the relevant authorities about the issue,” he said, requesting anonymity.

Dozens of children suffering from measles are admitted at various privately-run clinics in Wana Bazaar; some of them are reported to be in critical condition.

An official of the political administration told The Express Tribune measles-related deaths as well as the unavailability of the vaccine at agency hospital will be investigated. “Those found to be responsible will be dealt with strictly,” he said.

Birmal tehsil, also known as Angor Adda, has previously been under Taliban influence and polio and measles vaccine have been banned in the past.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2015.