The Sindh government has attributed the rise in vector-borne diseases, particularly chikungunya, to climate change and rainfall. Measures including fumigation and public awareness campaigns are being initiated to combat this public health issue. The assembly also discussed accountability for power utilities enduring operational challenges.
The Sindh government has acknowledged a notable increase in vector-borne diseases, particularly chikungunya, attributed to recent rainfall and climate change. During a session of the Sindh Assembly, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan lawmaker Sikandar Khatoon highlighted the rising cases of chikungunya, citing the high cost of testing and inquiring about the government’s response to this health crisis. In her response, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Nida Khuhro confirmed that the recent climate conditions have created a conducive environment for mosquito breeding, which in turn has escalated vector-borne diseases across the province. The government is currently implementing preventive measures including fumigation campaigns and plans to initiate public awareness efforts. Khuhro presented historical context regarding chikungunya, noting its first detection in Tanzania in 1952 and its arrival in the Sindh province in 2016. She clarified that chikungunya is transmitted solely through the bite of an infected mosquito, and its symptoms include high fever, severe joint pain, and headaches. Furthermore, she shared that the health department had trained 554 healthcare providers for improved clinical management, screening 831 individuals this year with 181 testing positive. While official records show no deaths from chikungunya, some assembly members raised concerns about potential unreported cases, with a specific instance of a death in an individual’s constituency. The meeting also underscored operational issues with power utilities in the region. K-Electric, Hesco, and Sepco faced criticism regarding their performance, with Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon suggesting that the heads of these companies be summoned to address concerns over prolonged outages and billing practices. This request arose during a discussion regarding the implementation of recommendations made by a special committee tasked with evaluating the performance of these entities. Memon emphasized the necessity of accountability and proper oversight in electricity management, aiming for enhanced service delivery for the residents of Sindh. In response to traffic issues, Excise Minister Sharjeel Memon announced a ban on Qingqi rickshaws, citing their contribution to congestion. However, legal challenges from the rickshaw operators’ association have temporarily halted this initiative. Additionally, the minister assured that the focus remains on effective management of traffic to facilitate smoother transit in major urban areas. In conclusion, the Sindh government is actively addressing the challenges posed by vector-borne diseases and the operational efficiency of public services, while also undertaking measures to enhance public health and traffic management in the province.
The rise of vector-borne diseases, particularly in urban regions like Karachi, is increasingly being recognized as a serious public health concern, influenced by environmental factors including climate change. The situation has been exacerbated by changing weather patterns that affect the breeding conditions of disease-carrying mosquitoes. The Sindh government is responding to these challenges through public health initiatives and awareness campaigns aimed at managing and mitigating these diseases. Concurrently, issues in the electricity supply sector underline ongoing governance and service delivery challenges that impact daily life in the province, highlighting the importance of accountability and effective management.
In summary, the Sindh government is confronting a significant rise in vector-borne diseases, specifically chikungunya, linked to climate change and recent rainfall. Actionable strategies are being put into place to manage public health crises, while addressing operational deficiencies in essential services such as electricity. The assembly discussions reflect a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through better health management and infrastructural accountability.
Original Source: asianews.network
