By Amjad Ali
Islamabad, Sep 21 (EFE).- Pakistan is getting ready to an impending second catastrophe as dengue fever outbreak and water-borne infections have claimed almost 320 lives, following the deadliest flooding in many years that has killed some 1,600 folks.
Specialists have warned of a extreme well being disaster as a result of unfold of water-borne ailments within the worst-hit southern Sindh province.
The provincial well being ministry mentioned Sindh recorded greater than 6,100 instances – greater than half of them in September – of the mosquito-borne dengue illness.
The nation has reported greater than 15,000 dengue sufferers within the final 9 months.
However Muhammed Wasif, a spokesperson on the Nationwide Institute of Well being in Islamabad, warned of extra instances within the coming days till the wet season ends in mid-November.
Sindh reported 353 dengue instances on Monday, the federal government information confirmed.
Malaria, one other illness attributable to mosquitoes, has additionally unfold extensively within the province.
Some 144,183 examined constructive for malaria in 2022, Sindh Well being Minister Azra Pechuho mentioned in a video message on Tuesday.
Authorities reported greater than 1,300 malaria instances over the weekend.
“We’re holding a particular eye on these two ailments (dengue and malaria) as a result of they unfold (attributable to) water and mosquitos,” she mentioned.
Sindh well being ministry spokesperson Mehar Khursheed informed EFE that 318 folks have died attributable to water-borne ailments within the province since July 1.
Pakistan has been battling a dengue fever epidemic within the monsoon season for the previous 12 years.
However this summer season, hundreds suffered from different infections as a result of stagnated flood water.
The well being information confirmed greater than 2.7 million sufferers bought handled since July 1 in Sindh for dengue, malaria, diarrhea, and skin-related infections.
World Well being Group (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed concern in regards to the potential second catastrophe in Pakistan attributable to lethal ailments following the flood disaster.
The loss of life toll from the rains and floods has risen to 1,569, together with 555 kids and 320 ladies, because the monsoon season started on June 14.
The info doesn’t embrace the deaths attributable to the ailments.
The floods have brought on an estimated $30 billion losses, in addition to triggering a well being disaster.
The UN reported final week that it had obtained virtually 24% of the $160 million sought in a donation for Pakistan. EFE
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