- Over 100 children have died in Karachi due to diphtheria this year.
- Unavailability of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT) is the main cause of the fatalities.
- Experts urge improved vaccine coverage to prevent further outbreaks.
More than 100 children have died in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2024 due to the unavailability of the Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT), despite the disease being preventable through vaccination.
Diphtheria is a severe, contagious infection affecting the respiratory tract and can cause life-threatening complications. The high cost of treatment and the absence of accessible antitoxin across Sindh exacerbate the situation.
Urgent Call for Vaccines as Karachi Faces Diphtheria Outbreak
Pakistan is grappling with a surge of diphtheria cases in Karachi, where over 100 children have lost their lives due to the lack of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT). Despite the availability of vaccines to prevent the disease, the country’s healthcare system is struggling to provide adequate immunization coverage, especially in underprivileged regions. Last year, the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital reported 52 deaths among 140 cases, reflecting the scale of the issue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes diphtheria as a potentially fatal bacterial infection that targets the upper respiratory tract. It is especially dangerous for young children, who are at a higher risk of developing complications if left untreated. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, but gaps in Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure, along with the economic challenges, have left many without access to necessary immunizations.
Experts in infectious diseases warn that unless vaccine coverage is ramped up, the situation will likely worsen. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated routine vaccination efforts, reducing the already low immunization rates in provinces such as Balochistan, where only 38% of children are vaccinated. This dip in healthcare services has allowed preventable diseases like diphtheria to resurface and claim lives.
The cost of treating a single child with diphtheria antitoxin in Pakistan has soared to PKR 0.25 million, making it inaccessible to many. This healthcare crisis has prompted calls from medical professionals and organizations for urgent government intervention. They demand immediate improvement in the availability of vaccines and antitoxin to prevent future outbreaks and save children’s lives.
The tragic loss of over 100 children in Karachi due to diphtheria reflects the critical need for improved vaccine distribution and access to life-saving treatments. Addressing these gaps in Pakistan’s healthcare system could prevent further preventable deaths.
“Vaccines are the most effective tool to prevent disease outbreaks, and without them, we risk losing the progress we’ve made.” — World Health Organization (WHO)
