Karachi Hospitals Report 144 Child Deaths From Measles and Diphtheria Since January

Karachi's four major tertiary care hospitals have recorded at least 144 child fatalities due to measles and diphtheria, both vaccine-preventable diseases, within the first seven months of the current year. Specifically, 1,915 measles cases resulted in 125 deaths, while 81 diphtheria cases led to 19 deaths across these facilities. The Indus Hospital reported approximately 850 measles cases with 17 deaths and one diphtheria death from eight cases. The Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre (SIDH&RC) documented 575 measles cases with 36 deaths and 81 diphtheria cases with 18 deaths between January 1 and July 26, 2026. While detailed data from the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) was unavailable, sources indicated seven recent measles deaths. The Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) reported 484 measles cases and 65 deaths. Experts attribute these tragic outcomes to parental negligence, with vaccination coverage dropping significantly after the initial doses, leaving a substantial portion of the child population inadequately protected. Although free vaccines are available through the Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI), an estimated 20-25% of children do not receive timely vaccinations. The EPI Project Director noted a decline in measles cases by 35% this year compared to the previous year, citing challenges like unvaccinated child pockets, parental negligence, and reliance on traditional remedies. To combat this, the EPI has recruited additional vaccinators and continues to conduct vaccination campaigns.