‘Children vulnerable to climate-aggravated illnesses’

LAHORE:As air pollution worsens, heatwave intensify, and floods become more frequent, children across the country are increasingly vulnerable to climate-aggravated illnesses such as respiratory infections, typhoid, gastroenteritis, and heat-related conditions, this was said by Dr Ahson Rabbani, CEO of ChildLife Foundation on Wednesday.

On World Environment Day, ChildLife Foundation is spotlighting the growing threat of climate change to children’s health in Pakistan, while offering a sustainable solution through its pioneering telemedicine model.

“By offering expert pediatric consultations through our Telemedicine Satellite Centers (TSCs) across Pakistan, we ensure timely, life-saving care while reducing unnecessary referrals to major cities, ultimately minimising the carbon footprint of healthcare delivery.” ChildLife operates more than 300 Telemedicine Satellite Centers (TSCs) within government hospitals nationwide, enabling doctor-to-doctor video consultations that connect frontline medical officers with senior pediatricians in real time.

This innovative approach ensures expert guidance for accurate diagnosis and treatment of children at the point of care. With over one million teleconsultations delivered to date, this system has significantly reduced the need for long-distance patient transfers, lowering travel-related emissions, saving time and cost. By avoiding thousands of referrals to urban hospitals, the model not only ensures timely treatment for children but also reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. “Each teleconsultation spares families hours of travel and prevents repeat visits,” said Dr. Irfan Habib, Medical Director at ChildLife Foundation. “This not only lessens the environmental burden but ensures that children receive immediate expert care when every minute matters.”

Many of the conditions treated through ChildLife’s telemedicine network are linked to environmental risk factors, including respiratory infections exacerbated by smog and indoor pollution, waterborne diseases like typhoid and diarrhea triggered by floods and poor sanitation, as well as heatstroke and dehydration during extreme heatwave.