KARACHI (HRNW): The spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports concerning the measles situation across the province. According to official data, the department is continuously monitoring the situation and taking immediate response measures in affected areas.
The Health Department has provided the following breakdown of recorded fatalities:
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Khairpur: 14 deaths reported to date.
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Sukkur: 4 confirmed deaths.
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Thatta: 5 deaths recorded.
Out of the total 40 reported child deaths, only 3 have been laboratory-confirmed. Meanwhile, 18 were recorded as “Clinically Compatible” and 13 were “Epidemiologically Linked.” Tests for 6 children returned negative.
Key Findings & Challenges:
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Vaccination Status: Data reveals that 6 of the deceased children were under 9 months of age, making them ineligible for the MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccine. Only 5 of the deceased children had completed their full vaccination course.
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Vaccination Refusal: A major challenge identified by the department is the presence of “refusal communities” in certain areas. EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) teams are actively conducting awareness campaigns to overcome this resistance.
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Malnutrition: Malnutrition among children has been cited as a significant factor increasing the severity of the disease.
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Outbreak Response: Following a major campaign in November 2025, a significant decrease in cases was observed. The Health Department noted that whenever new cases are reported, EPI teams immediately initiate “Outbreak Response” activities.
The Sindh Health and Population Welfare Department remains fully mobilized to improve immunization coverage and ensure the complete eradication of the disease.
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