ABSTRACT
Pakistan is dealing with the fifth wave brought on by the new type, Omicron (or B.1.1.529) with 1,547,795 confirmed cases with 30,452 deaths of COVID-19, as reported by World Health Organization (WHO) from 2020 to 2022. Vaccination is the best tool to curb this pandemic and fight against the new variants as it reduces the likelihood that the disease will be severe. A two-dose regimen of the BNT162b2 vaccine provides 95% protection to people aged 16 years and above, against the novel coronavirus. However, like in other developing countries, the vaccination campaign in Pakistan is hampered due to vaccine hesitation. This might not be the last mutation the world shall face. As with any other virus, the corona-virus is also expected to mutate frequently in the future, making annual booster shots the only way to stay significantly immunized against this deadly virus. Communication and counseling are needed to build their trust while taking care of social inequalities in the population. The authorities must intensify their efforts and should address this very important issue.
ABSTRACT
The ongoing pandemic that initiated in Wuhan, China, has been an international public health emergency since January 2020. India has been battling a brutal COVID-19's second wave since April 2021. The healthcare system was struggling with a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases when the lack of necessary resources further aroused a major setback. Opportunistic fungal infections, specifically mucormycosis and candidiasis have become a pressing matter of concern. Recent cases of aspergillosis have also heightened public alarm. Hence, call for an immediate response to this public health crisis is the need of the hour by establishing countrywide surveillance, diagnostic, and management system, as well as public awareness to alleviate the burden of COVID-19 and fungal infections in India.
ABSTRACT
In Pakistan, HIV has increased at an alarming rate in recent decades, and the death toll has risen. It is a public health challenge amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that is not being given due importance. The present article looks at the challenges and efforts being made to deal with HIV among children in Ratodero, Pakistan, and addresses measures that can be taken to control the disease in the child population epidemiologically.