Children in Karachi, Hyderabad develop multi-drug resistance to typhoid

KARACHI: A study conducted by Aga Khan University Hospital and the provincial health department, focused on several areas of Hyderabad and Karachi, has found that children suffering from typhoid have developed multi-drug resistance (MDR) in their bodies.

"Around 80 per cent of diseases effecting children are waterborne and spread due to contaminated water and poor sanitation conditions. Children aged between two to five years are vulnerable," said Director Health Karachi Dr Mohammad Taufeeq.

Cases of MDR have been found in Bhitai Colony and Latifabad areas of Hyderabad and Gadap, Lyari, Ibrahim Hydri areas of Karachi, added the senior doctor.

"Due to the recent wave of MDR typhoid in children, specially in Hyderabad and Karachi, we have started an anti-drug resistance vaccination campaign in different parts of province with the collaboration of the provincial health department," said Dr M.N Lal, a paediatrician and member of Child Surveillance Cell.

Health experts have said Pakistan is a signatory of United Nation Sustainable Development Goals and it is mandatory to control typhoid.

Typhoid is one of the common causes of death in children in the South Asian region, but unfortunately unawareness regarding the disease and the situation of basic utilities, specially water and sanitation, leads to million of children being effected each year.