Navigating Diphtheria Resurgence in Pakistan’s Conflict-Ridden and Disaster-Prone Area

Abstract

Objectives Diphtheria, a highly contagious disease that can be prevented through vaccination, is emerging in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, an area known for its instability, which presents a severe risk of becoming an epidemic. This is particularly concerning, as the Government of Pakistan intends to send (push back, actually) Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan. This research aims to study the outbreak from an epidemiological perspective and suggest ways to manage it. Methods The study uses data from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Health Information System, which systematically collects data throughout the province. Results Data from the provincial District Health Information System showed 291 confirmed cases of diphtheria across 28 districts, highlighting the considerable public health challenge posed by the disease’s capacity to spread widely. Among these, 16 cases were confirmed through laboratory tests, emphasizing the urgent need for better diagnostic services to identify diphtheria quickly and accurately. The research points out 4 specific outbreaks confirmed in laboratories in Batagram, Charsadda, Khyber, and Kohat, showcasing the broad geographic reach of the disease and the necessity for targeted public health initiatives in these areas. Conclusions By adopting a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, there is a significant opportunity to reduce and ultimately eliminate the risk of diphtheria becoming an uncontrolled epidemic in the region.