ISLAMABAD: Measles has emerged as the leading cause of deaths among children from birth to five years of age in Pakistan over the past two years, according to a study conducted by a private hospital, which also links the trend to the early onset of the monsoon season driven by climate change.
The study found that the premature arrival of seasonal rains has contributed to a rise in measles infections and fatalities among young children.
Health experts noted that the government’s routine measles vaccination campaign is generally carried out in June and July, but shifting weather patterns have caused the monsoon to arrive earlier, increasing the risk of children missing timely immunisation.
According to the report, the World Health Organization has also listed Pakistan among the 10 countries most affected by measles, with newborns and young children facing the greatest risk of infection and related complications.
The study further revealed that more than 7,000 measles cases were reported nationwide between July and December 2023.
Health experts attributed delayed childhood vaccination to several factors, including a lack of parental awareness, illiteracy, limited understanding of the vaccination registration process, and inadequate access to healthcare facilities in some areas.
They urged parents to ensure that their children receive routine vaccinations on schedule to protect them against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
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