KARACHI, Pakistan

A fresh surge in measles cases has taken a perilous turn in Sindh, with more than 2,000 children infected so far in 2026 and 53 losing their lives due to severe complications. This alarming trend underscores a critical public health vulnerability in the province.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, paediatrician Dr. Khalid Shafi revealed that the nationwide death toll from measles has reached 96. Across Pakistan, over 20,000 suspected cases have been reported this year, of which more than 7,000 have been laboratory-confirmed. According to official epidemiological data, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported 24 deaths, Punjab 15, and Balochistan four, while Sindh accounts for the highest number of fatalities.

"Nearly 30% of parents do not vaccinate their children, leaving them vulnerable to entirely preventable diseases. Timely care and strict adherence to the vaccination schedule remain our most critical defenses."

Dr. Shafi emphasized that the first measles vaccine is routinely administered at nine months of age, followed by a crucial second dose at 15 months. The epidemic is largely fueled by vaccine hesitancy and gaps in routine immunization coverage, particularly in marginalized communities.

Health authorities are urgently calling for a paradigm shift in public awareness, urging parents to ensure their children receive all scheduled immunizations to protect them from measles and other life-threatening illnesses.

Note: For official statements and real-time updates regarding this developing public health situation, readers are directed to the original Express Tribune report and the WHO Pakistan official updates, as direct social media embeds from regional health departments are subject to platform-specific rendering constraints and verification delays.