KOHAT: Toxoplosma gondii parasite is increasing at an alarming rate among the women causing pregnancy complications, premature deliveries, night blindness and squint among newborns.

This was revealed at a meeting of the microbiology department of the Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) and Rehnuma-Family Planning Association of Pakistan (R- FPAP) to sign a memorandum of understanding for carrying out research and create awareness among the people about the parasite.

The R-FPAP team included programme coordinator Ajmal Khan, monitoring and evaluation coordinator Sarmad Rasheed and field supervisor Asim Khurshid.

Head of microbiology department, Dr Baharullah, was also in attendance.

Ajmal Khan informed the meeting about the consequences of the toxoplosma gondii parasite-related sicknesses. He said they had been receiving cases of acute problems among women and babies and they had to do abortions to save the lives. He said newborns suffered from squint or strabismus and night blindness.

On the occasion, Dr Mubashir of microbiology department said the source of the parasite was animals, especially cats, which the people were not aware of. He stressed there was immense need of creating awareness among the people about the parasite. He said remedy of the squint was possible through eye exercises.

He expressed desire to designate two students of the department for doing PhD on the study of parasite at various hospitals of Kohat and urged the R-FPAP for financial assistance. He also offered technical support and volunteers.

The KUST team also took the R-FPAP officials to its laboratory where various researches were being conducted.

EXAM DUTY: Chairman of Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Kohat, Abdur Raqeeb Khan has assured to appoint teachers on merit to examination duties and to discourage cheating in exams.

He was talking to a delegation of all teachers association, which met him on Wednesday. The board chairman said during the coming secondary and intermediate examinations the teachers from all affiliated districts with the board and cadres would be given assignments and selected in a transparent manner.

Correction: An earlier version of this news report referred to toxoplosma gondii parasite as a virus. The error is regretted.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2019