Latest news with #AgaKhanUniversityHospital
Arab News
29-06-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Pakistan's Sindh reports fourth death from brain-eating amoeba in 2025
KARACHI: The provincial health department in Pakistan's southern Sindh province this week reported another death from Naegleria fowleri, making it the fourth casualty of the disease from the province this year. Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, has a fatality rate of over 98 percent. It is transmitted when contaminated water enters the body through the nose and cannot be spread from person to person. The latest victim of the disease was a resident of Karachi's central district area, who started experiencing symptoms such as fever, body aches and vomiting on June 25. Syed Ali Raza Shah, 17, was hospitalized at the Agha Khan University Hospital on June 26 and on June 27, was shifted to ventilator support after his condition deteriorated. 'On 28th June 2025: At around 12:00:PM patient expired in medical ICU on the ventilator at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi,' the Sindh Health Department's report said on Saturday. The report said Shah did not have a history of swimming nor performing ablution before the illness. However, the patient had taken a bath before his illness. The report pointed out that an overhead tank was the source of water in the deceased's house, which had not been cleaned in the past six months. It said response activities will be conducted in the deceased's area of residence after his funeral. 'Report submitted to higher authorities for planning and awareness sessions will be conducted on 29th and 30th June in the affected area,' the report said. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs around the world. In very rare cases, it has been found in poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads, and other recreational venues. If water containing the ameba goes up the nose and to the brain, it can cause an infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). In most cases in Pakistan, infections have occurred when people use tap water that contains Naegleria fowleri to rinse their sinuses or cleanse their nasal passages. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in Naegleria fowleri cases in recent years, with more than 100 reported deaths since the first confirmed infection in 2008. Five fatalities were recorded in 2024 alone.
Arab News
29-06-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Pakistan's Sindh reports fourth death from brain-eating amoeba
KARACHI: The provincial health department in Pakistan's southern Sindh province this week reported another death from Naegleria fowleri, making it the fourth casualty of the disease from the province this year. Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, has a fatality rate of over 98 percent. It is transmitted when contaminated water enters the body through the nose and cannot be spread from person to person. The latest victim of the disease was a resident of Karachi's central district area, who started experiencing symptoms such as fever, body aches and vomiting on June 25. Syed Ali Raza Shah, 17, was hospitalized at the Agha Khan University Hospital on June 26 and on June 27, was shifted to ventilator support after his condition deteriorated. 'On 28th June 2025: At around 12:00:PM patient expired in medical ICU on the ventilator at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi,' the Sindh Health Department's report said on Saturday. The report said Shah did not have a history of swimming nor performing ablution before the illness. However, the patient had taken a bath before his illness. The report pointed out that an overhead tank was the source of water in the deceased's house, which had not been cleaned in the past six months. It said response activities will be conducted in the deceased's area of residence after his funeral. 'Report submitted to higher authorities for planning and awareness sessions will be conducted on 29th and 30th June in the affected area,' the report said. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naegleria fowleri lives in soil and warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs around the world. In very rare cases, it has been found in poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads, and other recreational venues. If water containing the ameba goes up the nose and to the brain, it can cause an infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). In most cases in Pakistan, infections have occurred when people use tap water that contains Naegleria fowleri to rinse their sinuses or cleanse their nasal passages. Pakistan has witnessed a rise in Naegleria fowleri cases in recent years, with more than 100 reported deaths since the first confirmed infection in 2008. Five fatalities were recorded in 2024 alone.
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Experts urge safe meat preservation
Health experts have advised citizens to adopt proper meat preservation methods, have the know-how to consume fresh meat to keep their health intact, and avoid risks of saving it from heat and loadshedding. The ritual of Sunnah Ibrahimi (RA) is performed on Eidul Azha by Muslims as a prerequisite for Hajj each year, which is considered the greatest sacrifice in Islam. Talking to a private news channel, Associate Professor and Gastroenterologist Dr Abdullah bin Khalid of the Aga Khan University Hospital has recommended that the citizens should consume sacrificial meat in the form of steaming or boiling, not in processed form. He said that the use of red meat in processed form is not good for humans adding that World Health Organization (WHO) had already declared the consumption of red meat can cause many harmful effects on humans' health and quoted American Heart Disease department estimate that only 350 gram of meat per week can be consumed. Dr Abdullah recommended different precautionary measures i.e. from cutting of qurbani meat till the process of its cooking such as, 1) the meat should be cleared of all the fats, 2) cook the meat in healthy oils i.e. olive oil that is extra virgin oil, canola oil or sunflower oil etc, 3) red meat should not be cooked on high flame, or till prolonged time as it will decrease its nutritive value adding that he said cooking the meat on high flame may be tasty but would be low in nutrition wise, 4) cook meat on low flame will retain its the nutrition value, 5) use meat with salads and chutnies. Replying to a question, he said that patients with heart issues, angina, and high cholesterol should use red meat in moderate quantity, adding that we do not advise them not to eat meat anyway.
Business Recorder
21-06-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Sindh PA budget debate: Treasury dismisses opposition's claims as ‘unfounded'
KARACHI: Treasury ministers in the Sindh Assembly firmly dismissed opposition claims about the 2025–26 fiscal budget as unfounded, using Saturday's session to outline key achievements and unveil future plans for their respective departments. With Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed chairing the budget session that has entered fifth consecutive day, a number of provincial cabinet members and lawmakers actively defended the government's fiscal priorities and highlighted achievements across key sectors including health, irrigation, education, policing and urban development. In her address, Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho highlighted the provincial government's firm commitment to improving public healthcare infrastructure. She revealed that Karachi now boasts 19 fully operational Chest Pain Units, significantly enhancing the city's emergency response capacity. The upcoming fiscal year's budget earmarks Rs1.12 billion for the procurement of advanced CT scan and MRI machines, a move aimed at strengthening diagnostic services across Sindh. The minister also announced a strategic partnership with Aga Khan University Hospital to upgrade Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facilities in government-run hospitals. Thanks to sustained efforts, the province has seen a noticeable drop in maternal mortality rates during childbirth, while immunization coverage has reached an impressive 90 percent. Updating the House on development work, she said 21 healthcare schemes are currently being executed in Karachi alone. Addressing circulating rumors, Dr. Pechuho categorically denied that the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) was being handed over to any NGO, calling such reports 'completely baseless.' Barbs fly during Sindh assembly budget session Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro criticized opposition lawmakers for not reading the budget documents prior to protesting. 'Had they done so, much of the opposition noise could've been avoided,' he said. Shoro highlighted that Sindh won its case on canal water rights in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) under Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah's leadership. Recalling urban transformation efforts, Shoro stated: 'When we took over Karachi, it was drowning in garbage. Today, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Gizri, Tariq Road, and the Drigh Road underpass are proof of progress under Murad Ali Shah.' He also cited Hyderabad's new landfill site and Autobahn Road as PPP-led successes. 'Sindh has built 200 dams,' he claimed. 'Yet, despite Pakistan's looming water and climate crisis, the federal government refuses to release funds for the Gaj Dam.' On Sukkur Barrage, Shoro mentioned that 16 gates have been replaced so far — an engineering feat once thought impossible without draining the river. Opposition MPA Iftikhar Alam from MQM criticized the provincial government for neglecting Karachi, likening its treatment to that of a 'stepchild.' He slammed the construction of the Karimabad underpass, calling it unnecessary and built without proper consultation. He also proposed that districts should receive funds through a formula akin to the NFC Award granted by the federal government. Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah while extending birthday wishes to late Benazir Bhutto, acknowledged post-flood challenges, admitting that 20,000 schools remain closed while only 5,000 have reopened. However, he rejected claims that 7.8 million children were out of school, stating the number is actually 6.2 million, with 5.5 million currently enrolled in government institutions. An additional 11.5 million students are enrolled in private schools and Madressahs. Sardar detailed plans to set up IT labs in 136 schools, build two new colleges in Karachi, and upgrade all 155 existing public colleges. 'From the next fiscal year, funds for 34,000 schools will go directly to headmasters,' he announced. He also criticized the federal government's Economic Survey, accusing it of misrepresenting Sindh by reusing outdated data. 'Appreciate Punjab if you must, but don't distort Sindh's progress,' he said. Interior and Law Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar provided a granular look at law and order trends. He noted a reduction in street crimes: 7,441 mobile phones were snatched this year, down from previous highs. Car thefts declined from 586 last year to 558 this year, and murder rates have halved—from 2.6 daily deaths to one. Anti-crime efforts included engaging scrap dealers to curb thefts and launching operations against narcotics. Over 8,000 drug peddlers were arrested in Karachi alone. 'We are forming a provincial narcotics force and will set up 10 special drug courts in Karachi,' Lanjar said. On the Safe City project, he reported that 1,300 cameras have been installed, with plans to expand the initiative to Larkana, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas. The current police strength stands at 171,000, with all new recruitments conducted on merit. Provincial Minister for Energy and Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah commended the Chief Minister's 'people-friendly' budget. 'This year, we've completed 760 schemes — a national record,' he claimed. He dismissed the opposition's claim that Karachi lacks mega projects, pointing to numerous entries in the budget book. 'Even areas where PPP doesn't have a single councilor are receiving development projects,' he said. Shah highlighted the K-IV water project and a solar power distribution program under which 200,000 solar home systems have been received. 'We'll cover installation and transport costs too,' he added. Sindh Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla revealed a dramatic rise in tax collection, from Rs7.29 billion in 2008 to over Rs200 billion today. This year's budget eliminates three major taxes: professional tax, entertainment tax and cotton tax. New traffic regulations are also on the horizon. By August 14, all outdated number plates must be replaced, and old tax books will be retired. Vehicle data will now be integrated with traffic police systems to ensure compliance. Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani said 1,138 schemes were initiated last year, of which 424 have been completed. Of the total Rs131 billion in local government schemes, Rs104 billion are dedicated to Karachi. 'There are 52 mega projects currently underway with a cost of Rs72 billion. Just in Korangi, Shahrah-e-Bhutto is a Rs54 billion project,' he informed the House, adding that both the Korangi Interchange and Shahrah-e-Bhutto will be completed this December. Refuting opposition accusations of bias, Saeed Ghani said: 'The budget documents don't support the claim that we've only funded areas that elected PPP candidates.' Following the intensive debate, the assembly session was adjourned until Monday at 9:30 am. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Ministry of Health and Aga Khan University Hospital Strengthen Dialogue on Strategic Health Collaboration
The Ministry of Health is advancing discussions with Aga Khan University Hospital on potential collaboration in key areas including medical education, research, and capacity building for county health personnel in the effective utilisation of medical equipment. This was the focus of a meeting held today at Afya House, Nairobi, where the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, hosted the Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr Rashid Khalani. Dr Oluga commended the institution for its continued support to the national health system, noting its role in complementing government efforts to improve healthcare delivery. 'If we have a united effort, we build a better healthcare system that serves our people effectively and efficiently,' stated Dr Oluga. The meeting also explored the introduction of a unified digital yellow fever certification card to improve verification processes and facilitate access to travel-related services. Also present was the Director of Partnerships at Aga Khan University Hospital, Ms Pauline Ngatia. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
