Sindh Government Attributes Increasing Vector-Borne Diseases to Climate Change

The Sindh Assembly addressed the alarming rise of chikungunya cases, attributing it to climate change and recent rainfall. Health officials outlined measures being implemented to manage vector-borne diseases, including public awareness and training for healthcare providers. Concerns regarding electricity providers and traffic regulation were also raised, reflecting broader systemic challenges in the province.

On November 1, 2024, amidst a worrying upsurge in chikungunya cases in Karachi, members of the Sindh Assembly were informed that both recent rainfall and climate change have significantly contributed to the surge of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) throughout the province. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan legislator Sikandar Khatoon raised concerns regarding the increasing incidence of chikungunya, noting the high cost associated with its testing. In response, Nida Khuhro, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health from the Pakistan Peoples Party, acknowledged the correlation between climate conditions and mosquito proliferation, which heightens the risk of these diseases. She detailed the provincial government’s proactive measures, including ongoing fumigation campaigns and the establishment of awareness initiatives aimed at controlling the disease’s spread. Ms. Khuhro provided historical context, stating that the chikungunya virus was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and had only been reported in Sindh since 2016. Importantly, she clarified that chikungunya is transmitted solely through the bite of an infected mosquito and is not contagious between humans. The symptoms typically involve high fever, debilitating joint pain, and swelling, with management reliant on analgesics. Moreover, she indicated that 554 healthcare professionals had been trained this year to enhance laboratory testing and case management, leading to improved clinical care. By the end of the current year, out of the 831 individuals screened, 181 tested positive for the disease, although it is suspected that the actual prevalence is much higher due to the prohibitive testing costs that deter many residents from seeking diagnosis. While Ms. Khuhro assured that there had been no reported fatalities linked to chikungunya, former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani claimed otherwise, citing a recent death in his constituency attributed to the disease. The meeting also saw concerns voiced about electricity providers in Sindh. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon urged the Speaker to summon the executives of K-Electric, Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, and Sukkur Electric Power Company to address issues stemming from prolonged power outages and excessive billing practices. He highlighted the previous establishment of a special committee with a mandate to evaluate the performance of these entities, but indicated that K-Electric had not complied with the committee’s requests for attendance. In response to questions during the assembly session, Excise Minister Sharjeel Memon stated that a ban on Qingqi rickshaws had been imposed due to their contribution to traffic congestion in urban areas, although a court ruling had temporarily stayed this order. He reiterated that traffic disruption caused by these vehicles is a persistent challenge as they operate at limited speeds, adversely impacting overall traffic flow. Additionally, he commented on the government’s efforts to facilitate vehicle registration by implementing a cashless system for charitable organizations, further emphasizing that only duly certified organizations may benefit from tax exemptions, cautioning against misuse that could lead to vehicle confiscation.

The article discusses the impact of climate change on public health, particularly focusing on the rise of vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It highlights governmental accountability and the provision of healthcare measures in response to these health threats, alongside issues regarding public utilities and traffic regulation. The information reflects a broader concern about how environmental changes are influencing disease dynamics and operational efficiencies of essential services in the region.

The Sindh Assembly’s discourse emphasizes the urgent need for governmental action on public health issues attributed to climate change, particularly the rise in chikungunya cases. While health officials outline steps being taken to control the spread of vector-borne diseases, broader systemic issues such as infrastructure challenges posed by power utilities and traffic management remain pressing concerns that necessitate immediate attention. Furthermore, the discrepancies in reported health statistics versus actual cases illustrate a gap in healthcare accessibility that must be addressed to enhance community health outcomes.

Original Source: asianews.network