Sindh Battles Rising Dengue Cases Amid Criticism of Official Response

Dengue cases in Sindh Province have surged to 920, with Karachi hardest hit. Discrepancies in official data and actual figures have raised concerns. The government intensifies anti-mosquito measures, but challenges persist. Calls for better interdepartmental coordination and public cooperation emerge as the crisis unfolds.

Amid a significant rise in dengue cases across Sindh province, questions are mounting over the provincial government's handling of the outbreak. While officials intensify anti-mosquito measures, efforts to curb the spread seem insufficient as cases rise. According to a report by Dawn, 276 new dengue cases were recorded this month, increasing the total to 920 this year. Karachi Division remains the epicenter, with 124 confirmed cases, surpassing other regions like Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, and Sukkur.

However, official numbers appear to fall short of capturing the full extent. Data from the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (DRL) reveals that of 24,019 tested patients this October outside Karachi, 10,744 tested positive for dengue. This stark contrast, highlighted by nine dengue-related deaths in Hyderabad alone, underscores discrepancies in health department records, prompting calls for transparency.

Hyderabad's district health officer has appealed for enhanced data sharing from the DRL, aiming for clarity and action. Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho assured intensified preventive measures, including mosquito spray operations and drainage improvements. She urged public cooperation to eliminate breeding sites and emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in combating the disease's spread.

(With inputs from agencies.)