Karachi is experiencing a significant rise in Diphtheria cases, leading to an alarming increase in child fatalities. The Sindh
Health Department officials report that over 100 children have succumbed to diphtheria in the city this year, although vaccination can effectively prevent the illness.
Last year, the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital documented 140 diphtheria cases, resulting in 52 child deaths.
Currently, all diphtheria cases from Karachi are being directed to this specialized hospital, where more than 12 children are receiving treatment.
Infectious disease experts have highlighted a critical issue in Karachi and the broader Sindh province: the absence of an anti-toxin necessary for treating diphtheria.
The anti-toxin, which costs between Rs200,000 to Rs250,000, is crucial for treating infected children.
