Massive measles outbreaks in Sindh Cholera and measles outbreaks are reported to have killed dozens of children and

sickened several thousands in the upper Sindh districts including Jacobabad, Ka shmor, Kandhkot, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Larkano, Qambar / Shahdad Kot. The leading c ause for the massive outbreaks of cholera and measles, which contains, interalia , poor living and sanitation conditions, lack of clean water and above all non-a vailability of health care system in the upper Sindh districts. The situation is really alarming but unfortunately the provincial health departm ent and other relevant organizations, both, federal and provincial, have not res ponded to the disease threat in the province. Lives of millions of children and other vulnerable people are at stake and the p oor people of the province cannot afford to wait. However, the relevant national and international organizations are requested to act now, urgently and decisive ly, to arrest and turn around the alarming situation. In this dismal scenario it is suggested that the vaccination campaign that specifically targets children s hould be launched on war footing basis in the affected areas. Second, the most v ulnerable people should also be provided drinking clean water and healthy and nu tritious food. Third, steps should also be taken to improve the living and sanit ation in the upper and lower Sindh regions, instead of wasting resources on self -projection, publicity and mammoth gatherings. Hashim Abro Islamabad