The Leishmaniasis Challenge
The latest episode of Ranra (Light) discussed the outbreak of Leishmaniasis in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , including the recently merged districts.
The government seems to have failed to ensure quick health aid to patients suffering from the ailment and the unavailability of vaccines and medicines has added to their difficulties.
Media reports suggest that over 28,000 cases of Leishmaniasis have been reported in the tribal districts and around 3000 in the province. According to the local tribal people, the outbreak is not overnight as cases have been reported over the last several months. The government and local authorities did not take timely action to control the outbreak and even now many patients are not receiving proper treatment.
According to health officials, special centers have been set up at sentinel sites of the province where patients are being treated under the guidelines of World Health Organization (WHO) in affected districts including Mohmand, Waziristan, Karak, Mardan and Khyber. WHO also provided 1,100 vials of vaccine to the provincial government for treatment of the patients.
The locals said that the government should supply medicines and send health units on time to effectively control the outbreak, whereas awareness campaign are vital for informing people about the preventive and curative measures.
Dr. Ismail and Dr. Taybaa emphasized that the masses need to be educated and sensitized on the symptoms and treatment of the disease. People have to be vigilant with any mosquito bite and must consult the medical physicians immediately.
A field-based report by Mr.Afzal Khan Mohmand shared the facts and figures of the patients in the province and the measures taken by the provincial government.
A total of four live calls were received during the show.
About Sabawoon:
Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications program, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion.
The show airs Tuesday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM.
On Tuesday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with input from government and other senior officials. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for youth, students and women. Socio-cultural and female issues are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public accountability and the rule of law for countering extremism illegalities of all forms.