The Sindh government has cited climate change as a contributing factor to the increase in vector-borne diseases like chikungunya, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and treatment readiness. Additionally, there are discussions around the inefficiencies of local power suppliers and their impact on daily life. The government is focused on improving both public health responses and infrastructure management amid prevailing challenges.
The Sindh government has attributed the recent surge in vector-borne diseases, particularly chikungunya, to climate change and heavy rainfall in the region. During a recent session of the Sindh Assembly, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan lawmaker Sikandar Khatoon raised concerns regarding the expensive testing for chikungunya and called for governmental measures to control the disease’s spread. In response, Nida Khuhro, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health from the Pakistan Peoples Party, acknowledged that changes in weather patterns have created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, thereby escalating vector-borne diseases. She assured that the provincial government was executing preventive strategies, including regular fumigation efforts and awareness campaigns. Chikungunya, which was first identified in Tanzania in 1952 and reported in Sindh in 2016, does not transmit from person to person but rather through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Ms. Khuhro noted that symptoms typically involve high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, and swelling, with analgesics utilized for managing pain and fever. Furthermore, 554 health care providers have received training for testing and managing cases effectively. This year, 831 individuals were screened, revealing 181 positive cases. However, she acknowledged that true numbers may be higher due to the prohibitive cost of testing. Assuring that adequate medical supplies are maintained, Ms. Khuhro claimed no fatalities from chikungunya have been recorded. In a contrasting statement, Agha Siraj Durrani, a former speaker, mentioned a recent death in his constituency attributed to the disease. Additionally, a heated discussion emerged in the assembly concerning the inefficiencies of power supply companies, particularly K-Electric, Hesco, and Sepco. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon proposed that the leaders of these utilities be summoned to address the committee’s concerns regarding ongoing issues such as load shedding and exorbitant billing. Moreover, Excise Minister Sharjeel Memon confirmed that the provincial government had placed a ban on Qingqi rickshaws due to their contribution to traffic congestion, a ban which is currently under judicial review following a stay order from the courts. Various government initiatives are being undertaken to address the public health crisis and improve urban management amidst these challenges.
The region of Sindh is experiencing a notable increase in vector-borne diseases, particularly driven by environmental changes and climate phenomena. This rise, exacerbated by heavy rainfall and subsequent mosquito proliferation, has prompted concerns from lawmakers regarding public health and resource availability. The debate has extended beyond health issues to include utility service inefficiencies, indicating a broader concern related to governance and infrastructure in the province.
In summary, the Sindh government’s acknowledgment of the impact of climate change on public health through the rise of vector-borne diseases reflects a pressing issue that requires immediate and comprehensive action. Initiatives are underway to curb chikungunya and enhance healthcare responses, yet the actual situation may be more severe than reported, owing to economic barriers to testing. Further scrutiny is also needed in the management of essential services, such as electricity, which are critical for societal stability.
Original Source: asianews.network
