Sindh Government Attributes Rise in Vector-Borne Diseases to Climate Change
The Sindh Assembly has acknowledged a surge in chikungunya cases linked to climate change and increased rainfall. Health officials outlined current and future measures, including awareness campaigns and mosquito control, while concerns regarding the actual number of cases and the accountability of regional power utilities were discussed.
On November 1, 2024, officials from the Sindh Assembly revealed that recent rainfall and climate change have significantly contributed to a rise in vector-borne diseases (VBDs), particularly chikungunya, within the province. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan lawmaker, Sikandar Khatoon, expressed concerns regarding the escalating chikungunya cases, stressing the prohibitive costs associated with testing for the disease. In response, Nida Khuhro, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health from the Pakistan Peoples Party, acknowledged the correlation between environmental factors and the proliferation of mosquito populations, which facilitates the spread of VBDs. She outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the provincial government, including regular fumigation campaigns aimed at mosquito eradication and forthcoming public awareness campaigns about the disease. Ms. Khuhro provided a brief historical context of chikungunya, noting its identification in Tanzania in 1952, with its first occurrence in the province recorded in 2016. She reassured assembly members that chikungunya is not contagious and is transmitted exclusively through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms commonly experienced include fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, and swelling, with analgesics recommended for symptom management. The government has reportedly trained 554 healthcare providers to enhance laboratory testing and case management capabilities; however, the actual incidence of chikungunya might be underrepresented due to the high cost of testing, with only 181 out of 831 screened individuals testing positive this year. While Ms. Khuhro stated that no fatalities attributed to chikungunya had been reported, concerns were raised regarding a potential death linked to the disease that emerged from the constituency of former speaker Agha Siraj Durrani. Additional discussions within the assembly pertained to the performance of power utilities, with accusations directed at K-Electric and other companies for failing to implement recommendations from a recently established special committee addressing prolonged power outages and excessive billing. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon urged the assembly to summon the heads of these power distribution companies to ensure accountability. Neglected traffic safety concerns were also addressed as Excise Minister Sharjeel Memon confirmed a ban on Qingqi rickshaws due to their role in traffic congestion, despite a temporary court stay regarding the ban. In response to queries, he also highlighted the government’s plans to facilitate vehicle registration through a cashless system, emphasizing the necessity for compliance among charitable organizations pertaining to vehicle usage regulations.
The rise in vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya in Sindh, Pakistan, has been associated with recent environmental changes including increased rainfall attributed to climate change. The absence of rapid response measures could result in further health complications among the populace. Chikungunya, transmitted by infected mosquitoes, leads to debilitating effects and, while not classified as a contagious disease, its management remains critical for public health. The lack of accessible and affordable testing exacerbates underreporting of cases, thus placing greater responsibility on health authorities to implement effective preventive and control strategies. In the backdrop of health challenges, regional governance issues such as the performance of utility companies and public transport regulations also command attention as they significantly impact urban life in densely populated areas like Karachi.
In summary, the Sindh government faces significant challenges posed by the rising incidence of vector-borne diseases, primarily chikungunya, exacerbated by climate change and the resulting environmental conditions. The provincial health authorities are undertaking action plans including public case management measures and awareness campaigns, yet the high cost of testing continues to obscure the true extent of disease prevalence. Concurrently, the accountability of power utilities remains a focal point within the assembly, highlighting broader governance issues. The integration of effective public health strategies and energy management will be crucial in alleviating the challenges confronting Sindh’s residents.
Original Source: asianews.network
