The recent news that Pakistan has achieved its highest-ever DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine coverage at 87% in 2024 is a testament to the tireless efforts of our healthcare workers, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), and partner organizations. This significant rebound, surpassing even pre-COVID levels, offers a glimmer of hope in our ongoing struggle against preventable diseases. It signifies that with sustained commitment, we can protect our children from the insidious threat of diphtheria.

Diphtheria, though often seen as a disease of the past in many parts of the world, remains a real and present danger in Pakistan. This bacterial infection, characterized by a thick membrane in the throat that can lead to suffocation, is made even more terrifying by the toxins it releases, capable of damaging the heart, nerves, and other vital organs. The tragic loss of young lives, such as the more than 100 children reported to have died in Karachi last year due to diphtheria, often compounded by a severe shortage of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT), serves as a stark reminder of the urgent work that still lies ahead.

While the 87% DTP coverage is indeed an encouraging milestone, it also highlights the 13% of our children who remain vulnerable. These are often the children in remote villages, urban slums, or communities facing vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation and deeply ingrained myths. Overcoming these barriers requires a multi-pronged strategy that goes beyond mere vaccination drives. It necessitates a renewed focus on community engagement, leveraging local leaders, religious figures, and influential women to build trust and advocate for immunization. Door-to-door campaigns, supported by well-trained and adequately equipped vaccinators, are crucial to reaching every last child.

Beyond vaccination, the availability of Diphtheria Anti-Toxin (DAT) is a matter........

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