KARACHI, Oct 27: Extensive public awareness campaign initiated by the Sindh government has helped combat 80 to 85 per cent viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) induced deaths in the province.

This was stated by Sindh Health Secretary Prof Naushad A. Shaikh here on Friday. He said that more than 1,400 cases of the VHF including suspected the dengue fever were reported in Karachi during the last three months.

“These included 438 cases of dengue positive,” he said mentioning that 23 succumbed to the infection, that also due to delayed arrival at hospitals.

The health secretary observed that massive awareness campaign launched through media made people extremely cautious.

Consequently, we registered a constant surge in the number of suspected VHF cases simultaneously witnessing a large majority being discharged after due recovery, he said.

To a question, he said that the cases of VHF were also reported from some other cities of Sindh including Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas,

Tharparkar but the situation was absolutely under control.

He maintained that it was on the persuasion of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Sindh health minister that the federal government announced on Tuesday to withdraw import duty and other taxes on relevant kits as well as on cell separator gadgets.

“These are not only extremely crucial to handle the VHF patients but also for patients, mainly children inflicted with thalassemia and other blood diseases,” the health secretary elaborated.

He also urged people to use coils, mosquito repellants and ensure their water containers remained covered and no place in the house was left moistened.

—APP