Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – Cholera has broken out among flood refugees: the World Health Organization today confirmed 99 cases of cholera among displaced populations in the country after the floods. The cases were registered between the end of July and the end of September. In addition, 26 cases and 3 deaths from what is known as “Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever” were reported, as wekk as 1,500 confirmed cases of dengue, including 15 deaths. A special mission of the WHO began today, October 26, in Pakistan to monitor the situation and seek solutions.
The health emergency is confirmed by Secretary General of Caritas Pakistan, Anila Gill, who told Fides: "Caritas Health professionals who work among the refugees in Sindh and Punjab have encountered cases of cholera, dengue, malaria, and haemorrhagic fever. We are very concerned. Despite the efforts of the government and NGOs, we are on the threshold of large-scale public health emergency. More funds are needed for treatment and prevention of diseases among the flood victims. Otherwise, the tragedy of displacement will be worsened by epidemics, a tremendous blow to the Pakistani society which is already suffering so much from the disaster." (AP/PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/10/2010)
