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Dr. Khalid Mahmood A. Khan is a well known Paediatrician working as an Associate Professor of Paediatrics, National Institute of Child Health (NICH) Karachi. He was recently interviewed by Muhammad Fareed, Publisher & Managing Editor, Medical Review. Following are the excerpts of the Interview.
Q – Please tell us something about yourself?
Ans – I am Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Associate Professor of Paediatrics working at National Institute of Child Health (NICH), I did my MBBS from Dow Medical College in 1985. Then I left for Iran. There, I stayed for 6 years. When I returned in 1991, I did my FCPS-I. in 1992, I did my MCPS in 1998, FCPS in 2000. Currently I am serving as the Associate Professor and Head of Paediatrics Unit I of NICH.
Q – What are the most prevalent diseases among children and how can they can be prevented?
Ans – The commonly prevalent diseases in Children are waterborne diseases like Diarrhea, Dysentery, Respiratory Tract Infection like Pneumonia, Sore Throat, Ear Infections, Malaria, Typhoid, Viral Hepatitis and Malnutrition.
Prevention can be done by provision of potable water, sanitation, vaccination for routine EPI related infections and health education.
Q – The effects of water and air pollution are evident among children in the form of various diseases. How can it be minimized?
Ans- I had earlier alluded that most of the waterborne diseases can be prevented by provision of potable water and imparting health related educations to individuals and family through all available media (print and electronic) and emphasizing importance of vaccination.
Air pollution has achieved dangerous proportion and Astma, Dust Allergy, Nasal Allergy and Throat problem have increased. It can be minimized by concerted efforts by government and creating awareness in the masses.
Q – Due to dehydration, large numbers of children suffer from various ailments. Now that awareness has been created, has there been any sufficient reduction in these disorders?
Ans – Dehydration is a big issue in Diarrhea and it increases morbidity and mortality. Awareness in health personal and to certain extent families have some impact in the reduction of complication. Though number of Diarrheal cases have not decreased. Timely use of Oral Dehydration Solution (ORS) have decreased death due to dehydration.
Q – Many children suffer from various Fevers. What are the different types of Fevers?
Ans – The different Fevers we encounter commonly are the Viral Fevers, Malaria, Typhoid, ENT Infections and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).
Q – Can sunstroke cause fever and how can it be prevented?
Ans – Sunstroke is a very serous issue. It can cause the body temperature to rise to dangerous level and can cause death and irreparable damage to brain. Prevention is by staying indoor, adequate covering of head and body, plenty intake of fluid, seeking earlier medical help in case of developing symptoms of sunstrokes.
Q – Due to inflation and poverty, malnutrition affects children most and they become weak and susceptible to various diseases. How this situation affects children?
Ans – Malnutrition rate is very high in Pakistan. 70% of children are malnourished. Recent economic situation of country has made the situation worse. Malnutrition plays a vital role in mortality as it perpetuates a cycle of infections -> malnutrition -> infection.
Education regarding diet is flawed and weaning diet is still mostly tea and rusk (papa). There is significant prevalence of iron and Vitamin A deficiency.
Q – What are the measures necessary to reduce the child mortality rate? What are the numbers in rural and urban areas?
Ans – There are good effective World Health Organization (WHO) programmes which have decreased mortality rate when implemented properly. Integrated Management of Childhood Neonatal Illness (IMNCI) is all encompassing programme. Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI), Control of Diarrheal Disease, ARI program to mention a few.
Q – Has research work been undertaken to reduce the prevalent diseases and their prevention?
Ans – Yes, Research work is done and is ongoing process. All data available is because of these Research which help to prevent disease and its prevention.
Q – What are your suggestions to improve the health of children and make them less prone to diseases?
Ans- There is need for imparting and disseminates health education. Provision of all facilities for treatment and prevention (vaccination, breastfeeding and proper weaning). Last but not least, increasing allotment of health budget which is extremely low by all comparison even with neighboring countries.