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Pak infection struggles
Infection control measures are critical for safeguarding public health, but their implementation in Pakistan faces multiple challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population. Many hospitals and clinics, particularly in rural areas, are under-resourced, leading to inadequate sanitation practices which in turn increase the risk of infection transmission.
Pakistan’s healthcare system also suffers from insufficient funding and misallocation of resources. Many public hospitals lack essential infection control supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, and proper waste disposal systems. The lack of trained healthcare workers exacerbates the situation, as many frontline staff are ill-equipped to follow standard infection prevention protocols.
Additionally, the country’s densely populated cities contribute to the rapid spread of infections. Limited public health infrastructure and overcrowded healthcare facilities make it challenging to isolate and manage infectious cases effectively. This is especially true during outbreaks like COVID-19, where poor quarantine measures and lack of public compliance hinder efforts to contain the virus.
Another significant barrier is cultural resistance to infection control practices. Public reluctance to adopt practices such as hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and vaccination is common due to misinformation and distrust in health authorities. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, involving increased government investment, public awareness campaigns, and enhanced training for healthcare workers to improve Pakistan’s infection control capacity.
ASMA MAZHAR, M MUZMMIL
Lahore
Celebrating Tharparkar
Each year, World Migratory Bird Day reminds us of the incredible journeys that migratory birds undertake, crossing continents and enduring diverse climates. Pakistan, situated along key migratory routes like the Central Asian Flyway, is uniquely positioned to host and protect these seasonal visitors.
Tharparkar, part of this vital flyway, serves as a crucial stopover for numerous migratory species travelling from Siberia, Central Asia, and beyond. Its wetlands, particularly in the southern region, provide essential habitats for these birds. During the migratory season, Tharparkar becomes home to 56 winter visitors, 4 summer visitors, and 8 passage migrants, alongside its resident bird population. The region hosts various endangered and near-extinction migratory birds in different seasons due to its wetlands.A ground-breaking study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), titled Ecological Baseline Survey Report on Tharparkar, recorded 187 bird species in the region, with 63% being resident species and 30% migratory birds arriving during the winter months.
The company operating in Thar Block II have taken proactive steps to protect the region’s biodiversity. The creation of wetlands has not only enhanced the local ecosystem but also attracted more migratory birds to the area.
The efforts to protect and enhance Tharparkar’s biodiversity, particularly in creating safe havens for migratory birds, reflect a growing commitment to environmental stewardship in the region. As these initiatives continue to expand, Tharparkar stands as a shining example of how human development and nature can coexist harmoniously.
USAMA GHULAM
Karachi
Christians persecuted
India has seen a surge in Hindu nationalism and violence against Christians in recent years, especially in places governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.
The northeast state of Manipur has seen mayhem and bloodshed amid an ethnic conflict that has killed hundreds of Christians since last year. In addition, reports have emerged of the persecution of Sikhs, a religious minority in the north-western state of Punjab.
JUBEL D’CRUZ
Mumbai, India
