JSMU hosts MMIDSP meet: Alarming rise in pediatric typhoid and diphtheria highlighted

KARACHI: The Pathology Department of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU), in collaboration with Continuing Medical Education (CME) and the Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan (MMIDSP), hosted the first MMIDSP Sindh Regional Research Meet. The event centered around the theme “Frontiers of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology” and brought together prominent researchers, clinicians, and public health experts.

Dr. Kausar Jabeen, a leading authority on emerging infectious diseases, presented a sobering overview of Pakistan's escalating health challenges. She noted a 30% increase in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever cases over the past five years, alongside persistent outbreaks of polio, dengue, and chikungunya. Stressing the critical need for robust disease surveillance, advanced diagnostics, and coordinated public health interventions, she highlighted the pressing threat these diseases pose to national health security.

Dr. Naseem Salahuddin, an esteemed tuberculosis researcher and infectious disease consultant, shared groundbreaking advancements in treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). She reported that new MDR-TB drug regimens have achieved an impressive 80% cure rate, compared to the 50-60% success rates of older treatments. These regimens have also reduced treatment duration from 24 months to just 9-12 months, significantly enhancing patient adherence and improving outcomes.

While Pakistan has made remarkable progress, with a 90% reduction in polio cases since 2014, challenges remain in reaching remote communities. Dr. Ali Faisal, a pediatrician at Aga Khan University (AKU), outlined innovative approaches, including environmental surveillance and collaboration with religious leaders, which have been instrumental in the ongoing polio eradication effort.

JSMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Amjad Siraj Memon, underlined the event's importance in fostering collaboration and innovation to tackle urgent healthcare challenges. "The alarming 45% increase in typhoid fever among children under five and the 25% rise in diphtheria cases over the past three years demand immediate and coordinated action," he said. He emphasized the role of research and community engagement in overcoming these public health crises.

Dr. Binish Arif Sultan, Clinical Biologist at JSMU and the event organizer, called for improved coordination between healthcare practitioners and pharmacists to combat antimicrobial resistance. She underscored the importance of antimicrobial stewardship policies to optimize prescribing practices, mitigate resistance risks, and safeguard public health.

Director CME, Dr. Rahat Naz, highlighted the university’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. “This event exemplifies how knowledge exchange between researchers, clinicians, and public health experts can advance medical practice and improve patient outcomes,” she remarked.

Professor Durr Muhammad Khan, head of JSMU's Pathology Department, lauded the department’s efforts in organizing the event and reaffirmed its dedication to addressing infectious disease challenges. He noted that such platforms are vital for spotlighting innovative research and fostering collaboration among medical professionals.

The MMIDSP Sindh Regional Research Meet provided a vital forum for addressing the growing threats of infectious diseases and microbiology in Pakistan. Discussions and presentations shed light on the persistent challenges and recent advancements, underscoring the collective efforts needed to safeguard public health.

The seminar’s success reaffirmed JSMU’s leadership in championing research, education, and collaboration to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the region.