Mahjabeen Channa

Breast cancer is no longer a disease affecting only a few families; it has become one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Across the world, millions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Yet, despite advances in medical science and improved treatment options, thousands continue to lose their lives because the disease is detected too late. In many developing countries, including Pakistan, the lack of awareness, social stigma, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate healthcare facilities continue to fuel this silent epidemic. Therefore, breast cancer awareness is not merely a health campaign; it is a lifesaving necessity.

Among Asian countries, Pakistan bears one of the heaviest burdens of breast cancer. It has the highest rate of breast cancer mortality and morbidity in Asia. Approximately 90,000 new cases are reported annually, and more than 40,000 women lose their lives to the disease each year. It is estimated that one in every ten Pakistani women may develop breast cancer during her lifetime. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer accounted for 14.5 percent of new cancer cases and 11.7 percent of cancer-related deaths in Pakistan. Alarmingly, around 89 percent of breast cancer patients in the country are diagnosed at a late stage, while nearly 59 percent present with advanced disease. These statistics reflect not only the severity of the disease but also the urgent need for awareness and early detection.

One of the greatest challenges in Pakistan is the silence surrounding breast health. Discussions about breast cancer are often considered uncomfortable or inappropriate due to socio-cultural norms and taboos. Many women hesitate to speak about breast abnormalities because of embarrassment, fear of social judgment, or concerns about their marital relationships and family acceptance. The fear of surgery, pain, loss of femininity, and physical disfigurement further discourages women from seeking timely medical attention.

In rural areas, these barriers become even more pronounced. Limited literacy, poor access to healthcare facilities, financial constraints, and reliance on traditional healers often delay diagnosis. Many women first seek spiritual healing or home remedies instead of consulting qualified healthcare professionals. Consequently, by the time they arrive at specialized cancer hospitals, treatment options become limited and survival rates decline significantly.

The experiences of other Asian countries demonstrate that awareness and organized screening programs can dramatically improve outcomes. In Japan, nationwide awareness campaigns and regular screening programs have contributed to earlier diagnosis and better survival rates. Women above a certain age are encouraged to undergo mammography at regular intervals, supported by public health initiatives.

Similarly, South Korea has made substantial progress through its National Cancer Screening Program, which provides breast cancer screening services and promotes public education regarding early detection. The program has led to increased participation in screening and improved treatment outcomes.

Singapore also offers an important example. Through the Breast Screen Singapore program, women are encouraged to undergo mammograms every two years. Educational campaigns, community outreach, and accessible services have enhanced awareness and reduced the fear associated with breast cancer screening.

Even neighboring India has expanded awareness campaigns through government and non-governmental initiatives. Community health workers educate women about breast self-examination and warning signs of breast cancer. Although challenges remain, these efforts have contributed to increased awareness, especially among rural populations.

Pakistan can learn valuable lessons from these Asian experiences. Public education, affordable screening, and community engagement have the power to save thousands of lives.

Awareness begins with understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Women should seek medical advice if they notice a lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, nipple inversion, redness, persistent pain, or unusual swelling. Recognizing these symptoms early can significantly improve treatment success.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple and cost-effective method that women can perform at home once every month. Although BSE does not replace clinical examinations or mammography, it helps women become familiar with their bodies and identify unusual changes promptly. Healthcare workers, nurses, and lady health visitors should be trained to educate women about proper breast self-examination techniques, particularly in underserved communities where advanced screening facilities are unavailable.

Clinical breast examinations and mammography services should be expanded across Pakistan’s healthcare system. Unfortunately, such facilities are not widely available at primary healthcare centers, especially in rural districts. The government must integrate breast health services into existing maternal and reproductive health programs to ensure broader reach and accessibility.

Pakistan urgently requires a comprehensive national cancer registry. Reliable data collection is essential for effective policymaking, resource allocation, research, and program planning. Accurate records would help healthcare professionals and policymakers identify trends, evaluate interventions, and develop targeted strategies to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness is not solely the responsibility of doctors, hospitals, or governments. It is a collective responsibility shared by families, communities, educational institutions, religious leaders, media organizations, and civil society. Every conversation that breaks the silence, every woman who learns self-examination, and every family that encourages screening contributes to saving lives.

Breast cancer detected early is often treatable and survivable. No woman should lose her life because of fear, stigma, ignorance, or lack of access to healthcare. Pakistan must transform awareness into action by promoting education, expanding screening services, strengthening healthcare systems, and fostering a supportive social environment. By learning from successful examples across Asia and prioritizing women’s health, Pakistan can reduce breast cancer mortality and give thousands of women the chance to live healthy, productive lives.

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Read: Breast cancer cases to rise by nearly 40% by 2050, WHO warns

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A culture of prevention is not built overnight, but it begins with changing attitudes and priorities

Ali Nawaz Rahimoo

The old saying, “Prevention is better than cure,” has never been more relevant for Pakistan. Every year, the country spends enormous resources responding to outbreaks, treating illnesses, and managing health emergencies that could have been prevented through timely interventions, public awareness, and stronger healthcare systems. Yet, prevention often receives far less attention than treatment. As a result, Pakistan repeatedly finds itself reacting to crises rather than preparing for them.

The irrational use of medicines, poor adherence to hygiene and precautionary practices, shortages of essential healthcare supplies, and the absence of effective proactive measures continue to worsen the impact of diseases and epidemics. Time and again, the country responds only after outbreaks have spread widely, exposing weaknesses in preparedness and public health awareness.

However, disease prevention is not only about controlling dengue, chikungunya, or COVID-19. It must become the foundation of Pakistan’s healthcare approach. Infectious diseases, vaccine-preventable illnesses, waterborne infections, and even non-communicable diseases can be significantly reduced through preventive measures.

Pakistan remains among the countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country reports more than 600,000 new TB cases every year. TB is both preventable and curable, yet delayed diagnosis, poor treatment adherence, overcrowded living conditions, malnutrition, and stigma continue to fuel its transmission. The emergence of drug-resistant TB, largely due to incomplete or irrational use of anti-TB medicines, has created another major challenge. Early diagnosis, completion of prescribed treatment, adequate nutrition, and public education can prevent thousands of avoidable deaths.

Similarly, HIV/AIDS continues to emerge as a growing public health concern. Pakistan has witnessed a steady increase in HIV infections during recent years, with more than 300,000 people estimated to be living with HIV. Unfortunately, many remain unaware of their infection status due to limited testing and social stigma. Prevention through awareness campaigns, safe blood transfusion practices, screening of blood products, the use of sterile syringes, and harm-reduction programs for people who inject drugs is essential. Communities must also address the stigma surrounding HIV so that people seek testing and treatment without fear or discrimination.

Vaccination remains one of the most successful and cost-effective preventive interventions in human history. Yet, Pakistan continues to face outbreaks of measles due to gaps in immunization coverage. Hundreds of children fall ill every year from diseases that vaccines can prevent. Likewise, Pakistan remains one of the few countries where poliovirus transmission has not been completely interrupted. Continued support for routine immunization services, community engagement, and trust-building efforts is critical to protecting future generations from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Waterborne diseases also impose a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Typhoid fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis E, cholera, and acute diarrheal diseases continue to affect vulnerable populations, particularly in communities lacking access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation. Unsafe food handling practices, open defecation, poor waste disposal, and contaminated water sources contribute significantly to disease transmission. Investments in safe drinking water, improved sanitation infrastructure, hand washing facilities, and public education can dramatically reduce these illnesses.

Mosquito-borne diseases have become increasingly common due to changing environmental conditions, rapid urbanization, and inadequate vector control measures. Dengue outbreaks occur almost every year, while chikungunya has emerged as an additional threat. Government authorities often intensify mosquito control campaigns only after outbreaks become widespread. However, prevention requires year-round efforts. Regular insecticidal spraying, elimination of stagnant water, proper waste management, improved drainage systems, and community participation are essential to reducing mosquito breeding sites.

The role of individuals cannot be overlooked. Many people neglect preventive measures such as maintaining cleanliness, using mosquito repellents, covering water storage containers, washing hands regularly, and seeking medical advice promptly. At the same time, self-medication has become increasingly common. Medicines are often used based on recommendations from friends, relatives, or social media rather than qualified healthcare professionals. Such irrational practices can lead to treatment failure, adverse drug reactions, antimicrobial resistance, and increased healthcare costs.

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as one of the greatest threats to global health. The unnecessary use of antibiotics for viral infections, incomplete treatment courses, and over-the-counter access to prescription medicines have accelerated the development of resistant microorganisms. If immediate action is not taken, common infections may become difficult or impossible to treat in the future. Rational use of medicines, stronger regulatory oversight, and public education are crucial to preserving the effectiveness of life-saving drugs.

Prevention is equally important for non-communicable diseases. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses, and certain cancers are increasing rapidly in Pakistan. These conditions place a significant financial burden on families and the healthcare system. Yet, many cases can be prevented through healthier lifestyles. Balanced diets, regular physical activity, tobacco cessation, reduced salt and sugar intake, stress management, routine screening, and periodic health check-ups can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

The government has a fundamental responsibility to create an environment that supports disease prevention. Strong disease surveillance systems, uninterrupted supplies of essential medicines and vaccines, well-equipped laboratories, trained healthcare workers, and accessible primary healthcare services must become national priorities. Health education campaigns should be conducted throughout the year rather than only during emergencies. Schools should incorporate health awareness into their curricula, while community leaders and the media should actively promote preventive behaviors.

Citizens also have a responsibility to protect themselves and their communities. Personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, responsible medicine use, timely vaccination, and respect for public health guidelines should become routine practices. Communities must recognize that prevention is not solely the government’s responsibility; it requires collective action and sustained commitment from every individual.

Pakistan cannot afford to remain trapped in a cycle of reacting to health crises after they escalate. The economic costs of outbreaks, loss of productivity, pressure on healthcare facilities, and human suffering far exceed the investments required for prevention. Every rupee spent on preventive healthcare saves many more that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.

A culture of prevention is not built overnight, but it begins with changing attitudes and priorities. By investing in awareness, sanitation, vaccination, early screening, healthy lifestyles, and rational use of medicines, Pakistan can strengthen its healthcare system and protect its people from avoidable diseases.

The message is simple yet powerful: prevention saves lives. It is less costly, more effective, and more humane than cure. If both the government and citizens fulfil their responsibilities throughout the year, Pakistan can build a healthier, safer, and more resilient future for generations to come.

Read: The Sanitation Crises in Sindh

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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo, based in Umerkot, Sindh is a social development professional. He can be contacted on anrahimoo@gmail.com 

The post Prevention Saves The Lives first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Hammad Ahmed and Ayesha Sohail

Food safety has become one of the most critical global public health challenges of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe food causes approximately 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses every year, leading to nearly 420,000 deaths worldwide. World Food Safety Day, observed on 7 June, highlights the urgent need for collective action to ensure safe, nutritious, and uncontaminated food for all.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the “Five Keys to Safer Food”: keep clean, separate raw and cooked foods, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials. WHO stresses that food safety is not only a health issue but also a development issue affecting economies, trade, and food security.

The FAO highlights that food safety is essential for achieving Zero Hunger (SDG-2). It states that unsafe food threatens food security by reducing availability and consumer trust. FAO promotes improved agricultural practices, safe handling of raw materials, and stronger food supply chain monitoring systems.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) focus on strict regulatory frameworks to ensure food safety from production to consumption. FDA emphasizes Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, while USDA regulates meat, poultry, and processed food safety standards. Their guidelines strongly support prevention of contamination rather than reaction after outbreaks.

Leading academic institutions also contribute significantly to food safety research:

• Harvard University highlights the link between food safety, microbiology, and chronic disease prevention. Harvard research shows that contaminated food is a major source of bacterial infections like Salmonella and E. coli.
• University of Oxford focuses on global food systems, climate change impacts on food safety, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a growing global threat linked to food production systems.

Across international organizations, a clear consensus exists:

• Food safety is a shared responsibility between governments, producers, and consumers.
• Prevention is more effective than treatment of foodborne diseases.
• Strong surveillance systems and laboratory testing are essential.
• Education and awareness play a key role in reducing risks.

Other important organizations like the Codex Alimentarius Commission (WHO/FAO), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reinforce the importance of standardized global food safety regulations.

Food safety is not optional—it is a fundamental human right. As global food systems become more complex, the risk of contamination increases. However, with the combined efforts of international organizations like WHO, FAO, FDA, USDA, and leading universities such as Harvard and Oxford, a safer global food system is achievable.

Public awareness, scientific research, and strict regulatory enforcement together can ensure a healthier future.

Read: Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere

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Hammad Ahmed and Ayesha Sohail are students of BS Food Science & Technology at Hamdard University Karachi. Their academic interests include food safety, quality assurance, food processing, and public health awareness.

The post Five Keys to the Safer Foods first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Parkash Meghwar and Prof. Dr. Saghir Ahmed Sheikh

Every day, millions of people trust that the food they eat will nourish rather than harm them. Yet unsafe food remains one of the most overlooked public health challenges worldwide. As the world marked World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2026, the theme “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere” reminds us that food safety is not merely a technical issue; it is essential for public health, economic growth, and national development.

According to recent estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe food causes approximately 866 million illnesses and 1.52 million deaths globally each year. These figures highlight a burden that is both substantial and largely preventable. Behind every statistic is a child missing school, a worker unable to earn a living, or a family facing unexpected healthcare expenses.

For Pakistan, the challenge is particularly significant. Evidence presented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that foodborne illnesses affect one in five Pakistanis annually, resulting in an estimated US$1.7 billion in productivity losses each year. Food contamination, adulteration, poor hygiene practices, unsafe water, and inadequate storage conditions continue to threaten both public health and consumer confidence.

Food can become unsafe at any point along the food chain. Harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and naturally occurring toxins may contaminate food during production, processing, transportation, storage, or preparation. In many cases, consumers cannot detect these hazards by appearance, smell, or taste alone.

The good news is that most foodborne diseases can be prevented. Effective solutions already exist. Farmers can adopt Good Agricultural Practices to minimize contamination at the source. Food businesses can implement internationally recognized systems such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and ISO 22000 to manage food safety risks systematically. Markets and food vendors can improve hygiene, sanitation, and temperature control to protect consumers.

At the household level, simple actions make a significant difference. Following WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food—keeping clean, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking thoroughly, storing food safely, and using safe water and ingredients—can substantially reduce the risk of illness.

Encouragingly, Pakistan has recently launched a comprehensive assessment of its national food control system with technical support from FAO and other partners. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to strengthening food safety governance, improving regulatory coordination, and aligning national standards with international best practices.

Food safety is a shared responsibility. Governments, researchers, food businesses, farmers, retailers, and consumers all have a role to play. Safe food protects health, strengthens economies, supports trade, and contributes to food security.

As we observe World Food Safety Day 2026, let us move beyond recognizing the burden of foodborne diseases and focus on practical solutions. Every safe meal begins with responsible actions across the food chain. By working together and relying on science-based approaches, we can ensure that safe food is available to everyone, everywhere.

Safe food is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right.

Read: Gender Food Discrimination in Pakistan

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Parkash Meghwar and Prof. Dr. Saghir Ahmed Sheikh – Department of Applied Sciences, Hamdard University, Karachi

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Karachi- Speakers at a seminar on Friday discussed an escalating nutrition crisis in the country and presented recommendations to cope with the lurking challenges ahead of the federal budget.

The discussion revealed  that 40% of children under five in Pakistan suffer from stunting, while 18% of children are wasted, in addition to more than half of women and children affected by anemia.

Billed “nutrition crisis — challenges and pathways to reform” was organized by the Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS), in collaboration with the Karachi Press Club (KPC), bringing together experts in nutrition, public health, and fiscal governance to discuss sustainable reforms and policy integration.

Dr. Asim Bashir Khan, a health economist and public finance expert highlighted major gaps in nutrition financing and accountability, emphasizing that Pakistan’s nutrition investments remain below recommended levels and are often not linked to measurable outcomes.

He called for a shift from incremental to performance-based budgeting, stronger monitoring and evaluation systems, greater transparency in public spending, and clear accountability mechanisms to ensure nutrition policies translate into meaningful improvements in population health.

Professor Dr. Abdul Basit, director of Indus Hospital’s diabetes and endocrinology department, noted that obesity is rapidly becoming a major driver of diabetes in Pakistan, yet current prevention efforts targeting adults aged 30-40 start too late since risk factors are already established by school age, with over 10 million children overweight or obese.

“Risk begins before birth, as maternal health, low breastfeeding rates, and both underweight and overweight newborns all influence future obesity and diabetes risk,” he maintained, calling for adoption of a comprehensive prevention strategy that spans pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood.

Fayza Khan, President PNDS, in her opening remarks, stated that nutrition must be recognized as a cornerstone of the country’s health system.

“We need to integrate nutritionists into primary healthcare, appoint dietitians in hospitals and research institutions, and empower them in policymaking,” she said, adding that the PNDS will continue to advocate for multisectoral nutrition financing, inclusion of experts, and establishment of nutrition positions in research and policy.

Despite strong evidence, nutrition remains neglected in the federal budget, with up to 75% financing gaps at provincial levels, costing Pakistan nearly USD 17 billion annually in lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and human capital losses.

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Read: Marginalized Children Face Health Risks

The post Child Stunting, Maternal Anemia Grip Pakistan first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sohail Ahmed

This article explores decentralized disability rehabilitation in Sindh with a focus on the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and its collaboration with the Society for Research and Human Development (SRHD). Since the 18th Constitutional Amendment, DEPD has been tasked to implement the Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018 and extend rehabilitation activities throughout the province. Decentralization was identified as an important policy measure for tackling disability inequalities, especially in rural areas where rehabilitation facilities were still concentrated in urban areas. Disability must be recognized beyond the biomedical perspective. It is also influenced by poverty, infrastructure, and the burden of caring and institutional accessibility.

Access to rehabilitation centers and economic factors have been barriers to the seamless access to treatment and sustainable recovery in rural areas of Sindh. This meant that many families had to postpone therapies or stop getting involved in rehabilitation altogether because of the cost of transport and poor institutional outreach. In the context of this, DEPD and SRHD set up a decentralized Rehabilitation Centre in Kot Banglow, Kot Diji Tehsil, and District Khairpur. The center offers physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and behavioral therapy. Decentralization has been observed to enhance the accessibility, minimize the cost and boost the confidence of community in rehabilitation systems. “Previously we had to travel to Karachi or Hyderabad for therapies, now the center is close to our area and our child gets his therapy regularly” said one caregiver while the other highlighted it as a “hope for the hopeless” because of the reduced transport costs and improved continuity of care. In the following narratives, it is demonstrated that decentralization is anything but an administrative reform. It also changes the way rural communities live accessibility and institutional care. But from the field, it is also noted that rehabilitation is still constrained by the absence of prostheses and orthotics. Another therapist commented: “Rehabilitation does not end with improving movement and muscle strength, but also involves orthotic devices and most families cannot access those on their own and are reliant on government funding via DEPD.” The observations suggest that functional independence cannot be achieved without interventions that support mobility when using only therapy.

The impact of this institutional deficiency can be seen in everyday life. A 26-year-old laborer who worked at a local hotel on a daily basis, earning between 600 and 700 rupees, said that five years ago he suffered a serious injury on his foot, with a road accident. Due to financial hardship, he could not continue medical treatment. This resulted in his foot being permanently misshapen and affected his movement. His injured foot is smaller now and not working properly, he explained. He is now looking for a prosthesis that will help him function and earn a living to feed his family. Right now he is looking for a prosthesis that will allow him to move about and support his family. Here is one example of how economic problems can lead to treatable injuries becoming chronic disabilities, where it is no longer possible to provide the support for rehabilitation. SRHD undertook a baseline survey to identify about 700 persons with impairments in surrounding communities and meet their rehabilitation needs. In response to this, over 91 children are currently being provided with structured rehabilitation. Approximately 200 people have been identified for interventions that will improve their posture, alignment, and functional mobility. More than 290 individuals are also being evaluated for a prosthetic intervention that will restore movement and functional independence. Additionally, 230 persons have been assisted in access to Special CNIC documents to enhance access to legal identity, social protection and state entitlements. These interventions showcase the possibilities of a decentralized rehabilitation systems that combine community-based identification, rehabilitation, mobility support and social inclusion. However, although the country has progressed in this field, the issue of prosthetic and orthotic provision is still a great challenge for rural Sindh. For most low-income households, private interventions to support mobility are still unaffordable. So, a great number of families rely on state funded rehabilitation systems. Enhancing the institutional capacity of DEPD is therefore crucial in order to bring from therapy to independence and sustainable rehabilitation. In summary, the DEPD–SRHD project has proved to be very effective in enhancing accessibility and continuity of rehabilitation and institutional trust in rural areas of Sindh. Meanwhile, the results also point to the need for rehabilitation to go beyond therapy. Through a fully effective decentralized model it is necessary to have integrated prosthetic and orthotic support systems, as well as community-based rehabilitation systems. These interventions are vital to the functional mobility, dignity and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Read: Our Failure To Address Autism

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The author is an M.Phil. Student at the Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad. His research interests include medical anthropology, disability studies, and community-based rehabilitation in Sindh, Pakistan. He currently serves as Manager at the SRHD–DEPD Rehabilitation Centre under the Society for Research and Human Development (SRHD).  Contact: sohailwassan11@gmail.com

The post Bridging gaps in rural prosthetic services first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Dr. Kanwal Rai

What we know about the new ‘cicada’ COVID-19 variant?

Public health sector and huge numbers of the health scientists are keeping an eye on a new COVID variant following a steady increase in cases in the U.S and some other countries.

The new variant of Corona is spreading rapidly in countries including the USA, Japan, China and 22 other countries.

Why the new COVID variant is called Cicada?

It’s the subvariant of Omicron, BA.3.2, nicknamed Cicada, first started infecting people in South Africa in Nov 2024, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Why was it named a Cicada? Because it is a type of beetle, a type of insect that lies in the ground for a long time, but suddenly it comes out of the ground in large numbers, same condition in this type of the virus, it was found in South Africa in Nov 2024 but didn’t have much impact on that time. But it has suddenly appeared with a fatal mutation and has failed in 22plus countries.

And you know how dangerous this virus is.

Scientists have found 30 to 70+ new mutations in the spike protein of this virus.

This is called antigenic drift in genetic language. It changes itself so quickly. The Immunity doesn’t know that the type of disease and scientists are saying that its adhesion power is 40 times greater than other variants. That means the infection can spread in a very short time.

We don’t know when it will come to our country and we will have to impose a lockdown.

Does the Current Vaccine Protect Against the Cicada Variant?

“Some cases, the current vaccine offers significant protection against serious illness from some currently circulating Cicada strains.

Cicada virus is belonging to the Omicron family of COVID viruses, updated vaccines that target Omicron’s dominant strains, such as JN.1 are still effective in fighting BA.3.2. However, they may provide less protection given the changes in the virus.

This variant has many mutations that may allow it to spread, but symptoms remain similar to COVID strains, including cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat and congestion,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, a chief medical advisor for Sleep polis. “While variants may change over time, the core pattern of respiratory symptoms generally stays consistent.”

To be clear, getting the COVID vaccine doesn’t mean you are 100% protected from infection.

Protection isn’t perfect against every mutation, but data show that updated vaccines still reduce hospitalizations and serious outcomes compared with no vaccination.

Dr. Nachman tells Parade that the current vaccine may not protect against variants that will circulate down the road. But for now, your best bet is to ensure you’re up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines, which are providing rarely protection from current cicada strains.

What are the symptoms of new Cicada Variant?

The symptoms aren’t different from those of previous COVID variants: sore throat, fever or chills, headache, cough, body aches, and runny nose. They are similar to symptoms of the flu, so the best way to know if you have COVID is to test yourself.

Do COVID tests still work on Cicada?

It’s still a bit of a question mark, Schaffner says; the data aren’t yet available. But some experts say that since these tests look for parts of the virus that change less easily, they should still be able to detect Cicada.

Does Cicada cause worse disease than previous variants?

It’s not clear yet whether cicada’s mutations are causing worse covid disease compared to previous variants, or whether it will become a dominant strain if it’s able to evade the human immune system. Doctors will need to study more cases to know for sure.

Protection and improvement of health

To save ourselves from new variants of Cicada, take some small steps:

Avoid to go to crowded areas or away from the crushed district.

Sanitization is must, (hands and body)

Wear mask.

Some special advice to work on immunity, that means eating fruit, vitamins C supplements, Zink supplements etc.

Read: How a COVID lockdown changed bird behavior

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Kanwal Rai, Doctor of veterinary medicine, is MPhil Scholar. He is doing MPhil in veterinary Parasitology at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam

The post COVID-19 new variant is buzzing first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Mahjabeen Channa

In the southeastern corner of Tharparkar, the golden sands stretch endlessly under a blazing sun. The district is widely known for its vast mineral reserves, including one of the world’s largest coal deposits. For policymakers and investors, Tharparkar symbolizes economic potential and industrial promise. Yet behind this narrative of development lies a painful and largely unspoken reality a growing crisis of suicide and mental distress among its people. In the golden sands of Thar, a land long known for peace, resilience, and pluralism, such tragedies feel even more heartbreaking. Tharparkar has always been a place where peacocks dance after the rain, deer run freely across the dunes, and communities of different faiths live together in harmony. For generations, people survived harsh climates through strong social bonds, shared traditions, and hope.

According to media reported data, 116 suicides were recorded in 2025 alone, a number that reflects not isolated tragedies but a pattern of deepening despair. In a region historically associated with resilience, harmony, and cultural richness, such statistics signal an alarming social and mental health emergency that demands urgent attention.

Tharparkar’s economy depends heavily on agriculture and livestock. However, recurring droughts often striking every third year have devastated crops, dried up water sources, and weakened livestock, the primary assets of rural households. When rain fails, livelihoods collapse. Families that already survive on minimal income are pushed further into debt, hunger, and uncertainty.

Poverty in Thar is not merely a statistic; it is a lived experience. Many households struggle daily for access to food, clean drinking water, healthcare, and education.  Economic shocks such as droughts intensify feelings of helplessness, especially among breadwinners who feel unable to provide for their families. For individuals living hand-to-mouth, the burden of survival can become emotionally overwhelming.  Compounding the crisis is one of the lowest literacy ratios in the province. Limited educational opportunities restrict social mobility and access to information about coping strategies, government schemes, or mental health support. In such an environment, hopelessness can quietly take root.

Perhaps the most troubling dimension of the crisis is the near absence of mental health services. There are no qualified psychiatrists available within Tharparkar district. Individuals requiring psychiatric consultation must travel approximately 267 kilometers Hyderabad to Mithi District Head Quarter Hospital. For families already struggling financially, the cost of transportation, accommodation, and medical fees makes such treatment nearly impossible.

At the taluka and district hospital levels, specialized mental health facilities are either extremely limited or non-existent. This means that early warning signs depression, anxiety, trauma, or suicidal ideation often go undiagnosed and untreated. Without accessible care, individuals facing psychological distress are left to battle their struggles alone. Suicide remains a deeply stigmatized topic in many communities. Conversations around mental health are rare, and suffering is often internalized. Many people lack awareness about the symptoms of depression or the availability of support services. Cultural expectations to endure hardship silently can further isolate those in pain.

Police investigations and local reports suggest that socio-economic pressures, prolonged drought, early age marriage, domestic tensions, discrimination, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness are major factors behind the rising suicides. Poor communities, in particular, have limited access to social safety nets and crisis intervention resources, making them especially vulnerable.   Suicide is never an easy choice. It is a moment of deep pain when a person feels trapped between despair and silence.

Yet when someone takes their own life, the suffering does not end there. It spreads quietly through the hearts of parents, children, siblings, and friends who are left behind. Families are shattered, questions remain unanswered, and the pain lingers for years. One life lost becomes a wound carried by an entire community.  But today the rhythm of life in Thar is changing. Climate uncertainty, recurring droughts, and growing hunger have made survival more fragile. At the same time, large multinational projects, particularly around coal and energy development, have begun reshaping the region. These projects promise progress and economic growth, yet many local communities still struggle for the most basic necessities.

It is essential to ensure that economic progress does not inadvertently contribute to social exclusion or psychological distress. True development must prioritize human wellbeing alongside infrastructure and industry. Experts and local advocates are urging both federal and provincial authorities to initiate comprehensive academic research into the underlying causes of suicide in Tharparkar. Evidence-based policy responses are urgently needed. Establishing dedicated teams of psychiatrists and mental health professionals at every taluka hospital could provide life-saving interventions.

Public-private partnerships should be promoted to design social safety nets, expand healthcare access, and create livelihood opportunities. Awareness campaigns about mental health and suicide prevention must be conducted in local languages to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

Civil society, too, has a role to play. While highlighting economic poverty is important, it is equally crucial to celebrate Thar’s cultural richness, communal harmony, and environmental heritage. Empowering communities with dignity and opportunity can restore hope. Thar, often called the land of peace, stands at a crossroads. Without timely intervention, the human cost of neglect may continue to rise. Economic growth must not come at the expense of human lives. Addressing poverty, discrimination, and mental health together is not just a policy choice it is a moral imperative.

Read: Mental Health Crises Hit Sindh Deserts

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Mahjabeen Channa is Social Development Professional based at Mithi, Tharparkar Sindh.

The post Desperate cries: Suicides increase in Tharparkar first appeared on Sindh Courier.

• 3 out of 10 deaths in Pakistan are associated with cardiovascular disease due to substandard oil and fat consumption
• Globally, Pakistan is the largest oil consumption estimated 22kg per capita per year. Whereas country is already facing high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer

Parkash Meghwar & SM Ghufran Saeed | Karachi

In the Holy Month of Ramdan, the consumption of fried and deep-fried food items at the time of IFTAR will rise. This huge demand for oil based fried food such as Samosa, Pakora, Paratha, Halwa Puri, Bakery items, fried meat etc., will be a challenge for food business units such as bakeries, hotels, restaurants and small street food vendors to fry more food items in limited oil stock. The oil condition of said units will not be monitored and compliance as per the standard set by the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). The selling of loose oil without packaging, labelling and batch number is not allowed under the PSQCA standards.

Interestingly, fats and oils are essential for human health as they provide more energy than carbohydrates and protein, these help body support and insulate organs of the body and contribute to the taste and flavor of food products. Although, the loose oil (which either producing acrylamide at high temperature range beyond the smoke or flash point or oxidized containing trans-fatty acids) used in all mentioned food items consumed at the time of IFTAR, may cause many diseases particularly heart-stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

Recently, it was reported that some factories in Mirpurkhas are producing oil from poultry waste which is supplied in rural areas surrounding the district and division including other districts such as Umerkot and Tharparkar. They are not producing oil but mixing different sub-standard oils extracted from different animal wastes which is causing a serios public health issue in the division. Such factories lack proper quality testing of edible oil at their units. Concern authorities should take serious action against such factories in Sindh to ensure public health during Ramdan.

Several reports showed that Sindh Food Authority (SFA) had seized the sub-standard loose oil factories in Karachi, Thatta, and Mirpurkhas (trade of such oil is prevalent in rural areas where it is cheap for poor communities – an alarming situation arise in increased case of cardiovascular diseases and cancer in said areas). Also, the SFA teams had discarded tons of loose oil which was prepared in local units by utilizing animal waste. Such oils lack essential vitamins (A &D) and contain trans-fatty acids, and toxic residues. Based on news reports, the SFA formally banned the selling of loose edible oil in 2018 as recommended by the scientific panel board. While taking such enforcement operations, teams had faced legal challenges and traders’ protests. In 2024, the DG SFA Mr. Muzzamil Hussain Halepoto devised a mechanism of a zero-tolerance policy for substandard edible oil by imposing heavy fines and cancellation of license issued. During his tenure, an operation team of district Thatta seized oil depo and discarded about 12000 Liters of unsafe oil and similar operations were conducted throughout the province to ensure public health. Moreover, federal committees directed the PSQCA to seal such factories producing oil by utilizing poultry waste.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Muhammad Ghufran Saeed, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi added, 3 out of 10 deaths in Pakistan are associated with cardiovascular disease due to substandard oil and fat consumption.

Based on experts’ opinion, such alarming findings are not focused and neglected by the policy makers and concern authorities by poor coordination between regulatory authorities and stakeholders.

Food scientists stress that proper refining processes and quality testing of edible oils should be taken to ensure oil safety and quality. Experts have proposed some recommendations like it is mandatory that oil should be sealed, packaging and labeling, traceable batch numbers, licensing and registration of all stakeholders from the SFA and PSQCA, regular laboratory testing, joint inter-provincial inspection teams and elimination of unbranded oil sales.

Globally, Pakistan is the largest oil consumption estimated 22kg per capita per year. Whereas country is already facing high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Moreover, the consumption of fruits and vegetables decreases and salt, sugar and processed foods increased. It is estimated that the proper and complete elimination of trans-fats in our food products can save 17 million lives by 2040 worldwide.

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Read: Trans-fat, ‘a toxic chemical that kills’

The post Sindh battles edible oil-related heart diseases first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Sidra Shaikh

For children born into marginalized communities, poor health, persistent stunting, and early entry into labor become normalized aspects of everyday life rather than exceptional conditions. Similarly, Shamu Patel, a village on the outskirts of Hyderabad, illustrates this pattern through widespread cases of child growth faltering and stunting, where taking on responsibilities at a very young age is socially accepted despite being physically demanding and harmful to children’s health.

Children typically begin their day by fetching water from long distances and end it by collecting firewood and assisting their mothers in making dung cakes used as fuel. These tasks consume most of their day, leaving little time for rest, nutrition, or play. As one child shared during fieldwork, “I have been carrying the responsibility of fetching water since I was so young, lifting a bucket. Along with this, children also own food stalls and perform shop-keeping duties.” Such routines are repeated daily over long periods, including during critical phases of physical growth, and when combined with existing nutritional deficiencies, they contribute to chronic under-nutrition and persistent stunting rather than temporary growth delays.

According to the NIH Nutritional Survey, 44% of children in marginalized communities of Pakistan are stunted. These outcomes are largely produced by structural neglect, limited health literacy, and weak protection of child rights operating within a specific local context.

A major contributor to vulnerable childhood is the absence of a functional schooling system. Lack of access to formal education not only limits cognitive growth but also reduces health awareness and basic social development, causing children to remain confined to the cycle of poverty, labor, and limited life choices.

Furthermore, in Shamu Patel village, children’s health is shaped by poor living conditions, including overcrowded households, unsafe sanitation, and limited access to clean water. Continuous exposure to unhygienic environments significantly increases the risk of infections, which affect children more rapidly and severely due to their ongoing growth, higher nutritional requirements, and greater exposure to pollutants and pathogens. As a result, inadequate access to food, clean water, and sanitation weakens the immune system and compromises children’s growth and overall well-being.

At present, children suffering from anemia, iron deficiency, and stunted growth appear to be emerging outcomes of persistent structural neglect in marginalized communities of Pakistan. Addressing these crises requires a multi-sectoral approach. Improvements in infrastructure—such as drinking water systems, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services—are essential, but economic empowerment of families and access to education should be priorities as crucial steps to dismantling the structural pressures that normalize child labor across generations, as seen in Shamo Patel village, and in marginalized communities across Pakistan.

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Sidra Shaikh is Anthropology Graduate from University Of Sindh Jamshoro, working as Research Associate at Agha Khan University (Matiari Research and Training Centre).

Read: Pregnant Women and Extreme Heat Exposure

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