Hussain Zarkoon:
DUKKI: Measles outbreak in Balochistan’s Dukki has claimed the lives of four children and infected hundreds. The Medical Superintendent (MS) of Dukki hospital confirmed the death of four children as a result of the outbreak of measles. “The parents of children had refused vaccination for their children”, Dr. Johar Shadozai, the MS of the hospital claimed. Some family members blamed the health department for its failure to provide timely vaccination to the children. “Teams came when our children died”, Abdullah, one of the relatives of the four children who died because of the epidemic claimed.
Medical teams were sent to the Habib Qila and other affected areas of the district. So far, 242 children have been vaccinated and provided with medicines, Mr. Shadozai informed. He mentioned that an anti-measles campaign was also launched throughout the district to make sure vaccination of every child. However, Abdullah disagrees and said that officials came into action after the death of the children.
The lives of thousands of children across Balochistan are in danger because of the declining ratio of routine immunization. Children aged between 6 months to 15 years are the most affected, especially in those communities that do not believe in vaccination. Chronic refusals coupled with poor medical facilities in rural Balochistan are one of the underlying reasons behind the increasing deaths of children.