Measles menace

Measles continues to pose a significant threat to children's lives in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi. Despite government efforts to improve immunisation coverage, the disease has claimed at least 28 lives in the first three months of 2025 at two tertiary-care hospitals in Karachi alone. Over 270 admissions for measles have also been reported in the same period. Last year, at least 150 children reportedly died of measles in Sindh, with more than 13000 suspected and 6,670 confirmed cases. There is a pressing need for awareness campaigns across the country, particularly in areas where there have been measles outbreaks. An effective media campaign could help change societal mindsets, encouraging people to take the necessary steps to protect their children from this disease.

Mohd Bakhtyar

Islamabad