| Essa Lab News |
KARACHI: US media spread anthrax fear: experts
November 15, 2001
http://www.dawn.com/2001/11/15/local6.htm
KARACHI, Nov 14: Medical experts, pathologists and microbiologists, on Wednesday, agreed that anthrax fear has spread because of the US media campaign and there are very slim chances of the disease’ spread in
Pakistan.
Speaking at a public awareness seminar: “Know Anthrax: Don’t Panic,” organized by the Pakistan Society for Microbiology at the University of Karachi, the experts said that anthrax is preventable and curable.
they said that only one or two patients in Pakistan have been found positive of the bacteria. Even in the US only two deaths have occurred due to anthrax, they added.
The section chief of infectious diseases at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr M. Aslam Khan, said that the AKUH laboratory had received 15 samples of powders for anthrax tests, which included a sample from the office
of an Urdu daily.
He said he was not aware of the results of all the samples except the one received from the newspaper office, which, he said, was positive.
Prof. Dr Shahana Kazmi of Karachi University’s Microbiology Department said only one type of anthrax — Gastrointestinal — is deadly, but is very rare in human beings. Three types of anthrax infection included
cutaneous, inhalation and gastrointestinal, she added.
“In humans, anthrax is fairly rare; the risk of infection is about one out of 100,000,” she said.
Once the disease is established, the chances of survival of the patient become dim, she added. However, she said vaccines and antibiotics are easily available to cure the disease.
Dr Kazmi said that the most common (about 95%) form of the disease in human is “cutaneous anthrax,” which is usually acquired via injured skin or mucous membranes.
She said the spores of the B. anthracis can be produced and stored in a dry form and remain viable for decades and in some cases for over 100 years.
She said there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of anthrax and quarantine of the affected individual is also not recommended by the medical experts.
Dr Essa Abdulla said the bacteria of anthrax could be found everywhere and the infected patients are found in Middle East, Africa, UK and USA.
He pointed out that the bacteria can die within ten minutes in boiling water. He said that the potential agents for spread of the disease could be chemicals, radioactive metals and biological weapons.
Dr Essa suggested to adopt precautionary measures, including proper handling of letters or packages. He said the anthrax spores could infect through skin, swallowing or inhalation, so any suspect package could be
handled with care by not shaking, bumping or checking its contents. “Do not open, smell, touch or taste the material in the packet,” he said.He said besides the AKUH, the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, has
received some samples for testing of the anthrax bacteria.
In Sindh, he said, the NIH has nominated Civil Hospital Karachi and Liaquat Medical University, Jamshoro, for testing of any suspect materials.others who spoke on the occasion included Director Sindh Poultry Vaccine
Centre, Dr Shafqat Fatima, ex-Director, Defence Scientific Organization, Syed Zia Mehdi Rizvi, and Dr Saleem Hafiz of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation.—APP
KARACHI: Hygiene to help stop SARS in its tracks
May 13, 2003
Dawn
http://www.dawn.com/2003/05/13/local16.htm
KARACHI, May 12: A seminar on Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) was organized by the Microbiology department of Karachi University in the conference hall of science faculty on Monday.
Dr Ashraf Sadiq — director of the Ojha Institute — in his keynote address termed Sars a deadly disease which, he pointed out, transmitted widely within a short period of time.
“So far 28 countries have been afflicted by the severity of the disease. However, luckily its impact was confined to 8 countries only with 7 per cent death ratio which may be termed high by any standard,” he added.
Dr Sadiq said the severity of the syndrome could be checked effectively by pursuing hygienic conditions. With the onset of cold and cough the treatment process should not be delayed as negligence could bring about
serious consequences.
Referring to the precarious condition in China, he said more than 5,000 patients there had been kept in quarantine to minimize the risks. More than 230 deaths had been reported from there which signified the tough
conditions there.
He said by observing the required precautions, including maintaining hygiene, boiling water, eating hot food, neat utensils and clean environment the severity of the syndrome could be reduced.
Dr Shahana Urooj, chairperson of the microbiology department, said strict vigil should be kept on the surroundings, besides boiling water before its usage.
The disease might also spread through urine, faeces and other unhygienic material.
Dr Essa Abdullah emphasized the exigency to keep vigil over people entering Pakistan via different routes.
Later, responding to questions, Dr Ashraf Sadiq informed the audience that special arrangements had been made at the Ojha Institute where affected people would be placed. Special training session had also been
arranged for the institute’s staff. — PPI
KARACHI: Medical camp
August 19, 2003
http://www.dawn.com/2003/08/19/local25.htm
KARACHI, Aug 18: For the benefit of the poor people affected by the worst environmental fiasco in the country’s history, a free medical camp was set up by the Sindh Police on Monday near the Jehangir Kothari Parade.
More than 200 people visited the camp. They mostly complained of skin rashes and eye infections. Some gastro-enteritis cases were also treated.
According to AIG Hussein Asghar some 16 doctors were working voluntarily at the medical camp. He said the camp was the 9th one the Sindh police had set up during a two-month period.
Dr Safdar Hussein, who looked after the technical aspects of the camp, the Ziauddin Medical University, Essa Lab and Rotary Club had collaborated in the establishment of the free camp.
KARACHI: Precaution against diseases stressed
September 30, 2003
http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/30/local10.htm
KARACHI, Sept 29: The provincial minister for women development, Dr Saeeda Malik, has emphasized the significance of advocacy to the masses for taking safety steps against lethal diseases.
The minister was speaking at the inauguration of free medical camp, which was organized jointly by Dr Essa Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre and South City Hospital here at Clifton on Monday.
Highlighting the importance of such camps, the minister said that the medical camps gave free services to people at their doors. She said that the practice should be continued for the welfare of needy patients.
Dr Malik said that the government alone could not afford to provide free medical services to the masses. In this regard, she added that the credit went to non-governmental organization to relieve government by
organizing such free medical camps.
Dr Raheem-ul-Haq of the South City Hospital pointed out that an overwhelming majority of people was facing financial hardship and they could not afford purchasing antibiotics and conducting required tests. He said that
holding free camps would go a long way mitigating their miseries.
He also praised doctors for helping the ailing humanity despite the lack of required facilities and said that their selfless efforts would motivate others to tread the same course of action.
Dr Aziz Tank of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) said that the health problems being faced by a large segment of population would not be solved unless people did not develop perception about the importance of
precautionary steps.
Head of Dr Essa Laboratory, Dr Farhan Essa, said that around 4,800 poor and deserving people were provided medical help free of cost, which also included bone scanning and dental treatment facilities. Besides, a large
number of patients were provided free medicines for eye, nose, throat, ear and other problems.—PPI
KARACHI: Civil society urged to help improve environment
5, April 2005
DAWN
http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/05/local15.htm
KARACHI, April 4: A seminar on “Impact of environmental pollution on health, economy and natural resource management” began at Karachi University (KU) on Monday. The two-day moot is being organized by KU and
Pakistan Society for Micro Biology (PSM) in collaboration with ministry of environment. Minister of State for Enivornment Amin Aslam Khan was the chief guest at the inaugural session.
Speaking on the occasion, he stressed that every one should contribute towards bringing about the required improvements in the environment and to help tackle the problem of pollution.
He said that the stakeholders as well as the civil society should play its due role towards helping the government in tackling the issue of environmental pollution.
The minister said that the present government was fully committed towards the improvement in environment.He pointed out that all the public sector development projects in future would go to the planning division
which would carry out the environmental impact assessment study.Mr Khan said that later we would ask the private sector to follow the suit so that the environmental assessment study was also carried out in case of
their projects as well.He stressed that the civil society should also play its role towards the improvement of the environment.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi, highlighted the significance of environment on the health of the human beings and
the economy of the country.She said that we need a healthy atmosphere and healthy minds in order to help spur the development process in the country.
PSM President Prof Dr Essa M. Abdullah pointed out that according to the World Health Organization’s study 80 per cent of diseases around the globe were caused by polluted water.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Mohammad Qaiser, also spoke on the occasion.
Organizing Secretary, Prof Dr Tasneem Adam Ali, presented the welcome address.
The minister also distributed shields, certificates and prizes on the occasion.
The seminar was being attended by public and private sector organizations, representatives of EPA and Ministry of Environment.
The seminar includes a comprehensive scientific program which consists of plenary lectures, round table discussions and oral presentation, addressing environmental issues. — APP
KARACHI: Genetic abnormality high in Pakistan: Seminar told
22 February 2004
http://www.dawn.com/2004/02/22/local4.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Feb 21: At least six per cent children carry some kind of genetic abnormality all over the world. No official statistics are available for Pakistan , but because environmental pollution is widespread and ties of
consanguinity are strong in the country, it can be safely assumed that the figure is as high as six per cent, if not more.
This was disclosed by the chairman of the National Commission for Biotechnology, Dr Anwar Nasim, at a seminar on "Air, water and ecosystem: our children's heritage" on Saturday. The seminar was jointly organized by
Karachi University's Centre of Molecular Genetics and the British Council.
Dr Nasim said there were at least 4,500 genetic diseases. He pointed out that marriage among cousins, not uncommon in the country, was responsible for the spread of genetic diseases to a large extent.
He observed that recent advances in biotechnology had thrown up some problematic moral questions, such as whether parents should be allowed to choose the sex of their child. He added that the National Committee
on Bioethics had been established two weeks ago to tackle these issues.
The director of Karachi University's Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Dr S.H. Mujtaba Naqvi, said the government was planning to put in place a mechanism whereby saline water would be
thrown into the sea. He suggested that instead of wasting saline water it should be put to use and halophytes should be planted in it. "We have totally neglected wind energy. Some studies suggest that in coastal areas
windmills can produce a lot of energy. Cynics among us argue that windmills have failed in Pakistan because the three windmills put up in Karachi some time back have failed to operate efficiently. Those windmills
would have made some impact if they had been installed in large numbers," he said. Speaking on "Microbial pollutants of water: a far greater health risk for the growing minds and bodies", the chairperson of the
department of microbiology at the University of Karachi, Dr Shahana U. Kazmi, said water that contained a large number of bacteria might be safe for drinking. "The important consideration is that which kinds of microbes
are present in water. Intestinal pathogens, causing typhoid, dysentery, cholera, etc are of prime concern. Human fecal material dumped in lakes, rivers and oceans has presented mankind throughout the world with
colossal sanitary problems. Thus content testing of water is very important," she said.
Dr Shahid Amjad of the National Institute of Oceanography said Pakistan had the largest population of mangroves in the arid zone. "At least 25 kilograms of shrimp, 100 kilograms of fish, 15 kilograms of crabs and other
things could be produced from one hectare of mangrove. Pakistan has 230 hectares of mangroves. Mangroves could also be used for producing honey," he said.
He pointed out that unplanned land reclamation, industrial contaminants, urban and agricultural run-offs, and construction works were responsible for the decrease in the population of mangroves in Pakistan.
Earlier, the British Council director, Charlie Walker, recalled that the British Council was established in 1934 "with the rather unwieldy title of 'The British Committee for Relations with Other Countries.'
He said: "The Times heralded the establishment of the Council by saying: 'No country today can expect to be understood if it remains aloof and passive. Foreign policy alone, however wisely conceived, cannot remove
misunderstandings unless it works on a background of knowledge...' Seventy years later we continue to improve understanding between Britain and those 110 countries in which we work through a range of
programmes which bring people from the UK into direct contact with colleagues and counterparts in Pakistan for mutual benefit."
The participants came up with three resolutions at the end of the seminar. They were: "Integration of efforts for monitoring and control of pollution; contribution of non-governmental individuals; and implementation of
National Environmental Quality Standards."
Those who also spoke included Dr Lynne E. Macaskie, Birmingham University, UK; Dr Seema Jilane, NED University; Dr Badar Ghauri, Suparco; Dr Farhan Essa, Dr Essa's Labs; and Dr Uzma Badar, Centre for Molecular
Genetics, University of Karachi.
WHO satisfied with Pakistan's efforts: World microbiology moot
11 January 2005
http://www.dawn.com/2005/01/11/nat28.htm
KARACHI, Jan 10: As many as 46 confirmed cases of polio were reported in the country during 2004, with no new case in Balochistan, said the country representative of WHO on Monday.
He was speaking at a plenary session of the 'Fifth International Biennial Conference' of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology. The six-day conference under the theme 'Molecular Mechanism of Host-Pathogen
Interactions' was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, Dr Pirzada Qasim.
Giving salient features of the polio eradication campaign in the country, the WHO representative, Dr M Azmoudeh, said the situation in Pakistan was improving, adding that just 46 new cases were reported in 2004 against
103 confirmed cases of 2003. This was 3.9 per cent of the total (1,172) polio cases reported worldwide.
In Sindh, a total of seven confirmed cases of polio were reported in October, making the tally 26, which was the highest in Pakistan. Punjab had a total of 12, while the NWFP had eight during 2004.
According to Dr Azmoudeh, of the 1,172 new polio cases detected worldwide in 2004, 760 were reported in Nigeria, 126 in India, 105 in Sudan, 29 in the Central Asia Republics, 25 in Niger, 22 in Chad, 16 in the Ivory Coast, 10
in Cameron, nine in Mali, seven in Burkina Faso, six in Benin, four each in Afghanistan and Guinea, and one each in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Botswana.
In his presentation, Dr Essa M Abdullah mentioned that viral hepatitis was a major health problem in Pakistan, and as such, there was a need to audit and update the actual frequency of HBV surface antigen and antibody.
Referring to a survey undertaken by his research group over a three-year period ending in November 2004, he said the report indicated an increased HBs-Ag carrier rate of 5.01 per cent in 22.
About 90.2 per cent antigenimia was recorded in adults, and a dramatic 75.3 per cent of the carriers were males. Dr Sharaf Ali Shah of the Dow University of Health Sciences said that 70 per cent of the HIV/AIDS cases were
detected in deported Pakistani workers, Pakistani working overseas and spouses (wives) of HIV positive deported workers.
Earlier, the KU VC, Dr Pirzada, in his inaugural address, said the biennial conference was a platform for microbiologists, and those related to the pharmaceutical industry and health services from various parts of the
world, to get together and take up the common but important aspects related to the betterment of the human population globally.
Microbiology had emerged as an important discipline and, as such, it demanded vigorous exchange of ideas among scientists, instead of working in isolation, he remarked.
On this occasion, he also expressed concern over the prevailing state of linkage between the academic and industries and termed it 'not very well preserved and developed'.
The Chairperson of the KU Microbiology department, Shahana Urooj Kazmi, told Dawn that about 20 foreigners, including those from the USA, the UK, Taiwan, Canada and Iran, were participating in the conference, while
the local delegates numbered to around 350. The conference lecture was dedicated to the memory of Prof Dr Ahmed Ali Anwer, regarded as the father of microbiology in Pakistan. He, an MPH from USA, established the
first microbiology department in the country at the University of Karachi in 1954, and was the pioneer of microbiology.
Prof Dr James A Hoch from the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, delivered the memorial lecture on "Role of the Sporulation Regulatory Pathway in Pathogenesis and Toxin Production in Bacillus anthracis.
November 15, 2001
http://www.dawn.com/2001/11/15/local6.htm
KARACHI, Nov 14: Medical experts, pathologists and microbiologists, on Wednesday, agreed that anthrax fear has spread because of the US media campaign and there are very slim chances of the disease’ spread in
Pakistan.
Speaking at a public awareness seminar: “Know Anthrax: Don’t Panic,” organized by the Pakistan Society for Microbiology at the University of Karachi, the experts said that anthrax is preventable and curable.
they said that only one or two patients in Pakistan have been found positive of the bacteria. Even in the US only two deaths have occurred due to anthrax, they added.
The section chief of infectious diseases at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr M. Aslam Khan, said that the AKUH laboratory had received 15 samples of powders for anthrax tests, which included a sample from the office
of an Urdu daily.
He said he was not aware of the results of all the samples except the one received from the newspaper office, which, he said, was positive.
Prof. Dr Shahana Kazmi of Karachi University’s Microbiology Department said only one type of anthrax — Gastrointestinal — is deadly, but is very rare in human beings. Three types of anthrax infection included
cutaneous, inhalation and gastrointestinal, she added.
“In humans, anthrax is fairly rare; the risk of infection is about one out of 100,000,” she said.
Once the disease is established, the chances of survival of the patient become dim, she added. However, she said vaccines and antibiotics are easily available to cure the disease.
Dr Kazmi said that the most common (about 95%) form of the disease in human is “cutaneous anthrax,” which is usually acquired via injured skin or mucous membranes.
She said the spores of the B. anthracis can be produced and stored in a dry form and remain viable for decades and in some cases for over 100 years.
She said there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of anthrax and quarantine of the affected individual is also not recommended by the medical experts.
Dr Essa Abdulla said the bacteria of anthrax could be found everywhere and the infected patients are found in Middle East, Africa, UK and USA.
He pointed out that the bacteria can die within ten minutes in boiling water. He said that the potential agents for spread of the disease could be chemicals, radioactive metals and biological weapons.
Dr Essa suggested to adopt precautionary measures, including proper handling of letters or packages. He said the anthrax spores could infect through skin, swallowing or inhalation, so any suspect package could be
handled with care by not shaking, bumping or checking its contents. “Do not open, smell, touch or taste the material in the packet,” he said.He said besides the AKUH, the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, has
received some samples for testing of the anthrax bacteria.
In Sindh, he said, the NIH has nominated Civil Hospital Karachi and Liaquat Medical University, Jamshoro, for testing of any suspect materials.others who spoke on the occasion included Director Sindh Poultry Vaccine
Centre, Dr Shafqat Fatima, ex-Director, Defence Scientific Organization, Syed Zia Mehdi Rizvi, and Dr Saleem Hafiz of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation.—APP
KARACHI: Hygiene to help stop SARS in its tracks
May 13, 2003
Dawn
http://www.dawn.com/2003/05/13/local16.htm
KARACHI, May 12: A seminar on Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) was organized by the Microbiology department of Karachi University in the conference hall of science faculty on Monday.
Dr Ashraf Sadiq — director of the Ojha Institute — in his keynote address termed Sars a deadly disease which, he pointed out, transmitted widely within a short period of time.
“So far 28 countries have been afflicted by the severity of the disease. However, luckily its impact was confined to 8 countries only with 7 per cent death ratio which may be termed high by any standard,” he added.
Dr Sadiq said the severity of the syndrome could be checked effectively by pursuing hygienic conditions. With the onset of cold and cough the treatment process should not be delayed as negligence could bring about
serious consequences.
Referring to the precarious condition in China, he said more than 5,000 patients there had been kept in quarantine to minimize the risks. More than 230 deaths had been reported from there which signified the tough
conditions there.
He said by observing the required precautions, including maintaining hygiene, boiling water, eating hot food, neat utensils and clean environment the severity of the syndrome could be reduced.
Dr Shahana Urooj, chairperson of the microbiology department, said strict vigil should be kept on the surroundings, besides boiling water before its usage.
The disease might also spread through urine, faeces and other unhygienic material.
Dr Essa Abdullah emphasized the exigency to keep vigil over people entering Pakistan via different routes.
Later, responding to questions, Dr Ashraf Sadiq informed the audience that special arrangements had been made at the Ojha Institute where affected people would be placed. Special training session had also been
arranged for the institute’s staff. — PPI
KARACHI: Medical camp
August 19, 2003
http://www.dawn.com/2003/08/19/local25.htm
KARACHI, Aug 18: For the benefit of the poor people affected by the worst environmental fiasco in the country’s history, a free medical camp was set up by the Sindh Police on Monday near the Jehangir Kothari Parade.
More than 200 people visited the camp. They mostly complained of skin rashes and eye infections. Some gastro-enteritis cases were also treated.
According to AIG Hussein Asghar some 16 doctors were working voluntarily at the medical camp. He said the camp was the 9th one the Sindh police had set up during a two-month period.
Dr Safdar Hussein, who looked after the technical aspects of the camp, the Ziauddin Medical University, Essa Lab and Rotary Club had collaborated in the establishment of the free camp.
KARACHI: Precaution against diseases stressed
September 30, 2003
http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/30/local10.htm
KARACHI, Sept 29: The provincial minister for women development, Dr Saeeda Malik, has emphasized the significance of advocacy to the masses for taking safety steps against lethal diseases.
The minister was speaking at the inauguration of free medical camp, which was organized jointly by Dr Essa Laboratory and Diagnostic Centre and South City Hospital here at Clifton on Monday.
Highlighting the importance of such camps, the minister said that the medical camps gave free services to people at their doors. She said that the practice should be continued for the welfare of needy patients.
Dr Malik said that the government alone could not afford to provide free medical services to the masses. In this regard, she added that the credit went to non-governmental organization to relieve government by
organizing such free medical camps.
Dr Raheem-ul-Haq of the South City Hospital pointed out that an overwhelming majority of people was facing financial hardship and they could not afford purchasing antibiotics and conducting required tests. He said that
holding free camps would go a long way mitigating their miseries.
He also praised doctors for helping the ailing humanity despite the lack of required facilities and said that their selfless efforts would motivate others to tread the same course of action.
Dr Aziz Tank of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) said that the health problems being faced by a large segment of population would not be solved unless people did not develop perception about the importance of
precautionary steps.
Head of Dr Essa Laboratory, Dr Farhan Essa, said that around 4,800 poor and deserving people were provided medical help free of cost, which also included bone scanning and dental treatment facilities. Besides, a large
number of patients were provided free medicines for eye, nose, throat, ear and other problems.—PPI
KARACHI: Civil society urged to help improve environment
5, April 2005
DAWN
http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/05/local15.htm
KARACHI, April 4: A seminar on “Impact of environmental pollution on health, economy and natural resource management” began at Karachi University (KU) on Monday. The two-day moot is being organized by KU and
Pakistan Society for Micro Biology (PSM) in collaboration with ministry of environment. Minister of State for Enivornment Amin Aslam Khan was the chief guest at the inaugural session.
Speaking on the occasion, he stressed that every one should contribute towards bringing about the required improvements in the environment and to help tackle the problem of pollution.
He said that the stakeholders as well as the civil society should play its due role towards helping the government in tackling the issue of environmental pollution.
The minister said that the present government was fully committed towards the improvement in environment.He pointed out that all the public sector development projects in future would go to the planning division
which would carry out the environmental impact assessment study.Mr Khan said that later we would ask the private sector to follow the suit so that the environmental assessment study was also carried out in case of
their projects as well.He stressed that the civil society should also play its role towards the improvement of the environment.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi, highlighted the significance of environment on the health of the human beings and
the economy of the country.She said that we need a healthy atmosphere and healthy minds in order to help spur the development process in the country.
PSM President Prof Dr Essa M. Abdullah pointed out that according to the World Health Organization’s study 80 per cent of diseases around the globe were caused by polluted water.
The Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Mohammad Qaiser, also spoke on the occasion.
Organizing Secretary, Prof Dr Tasneem Adam Ali, presented the welcome address.
The minister also distributed shields, certificates and prizes on the occasion.
The seminar was being attended by public and private sector organizations, representatives of EPA and Ministry of Environment.
The seminar includes a comprehensive scientific program which consists of plenary lectures, round table discussions and oral presentation, addressing environmental issues. — APP
KARACHI: Genetic abnormality high in Pakistan: Seminar told
22 February 2004
http://www.dawn.com/2004/02/22/local4.htm
By Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI, Feb 21: At least six per cent children carry some kind of genetic abnormality all over the world. No official statistics are available for Pakistan , but because environmental pollution is widespread and ties of
consanguinity are strong in the country, it can be safely assumed that the figure is as high as six per cent, if not more.
This was disclosed by the chairman of the National Commission for Biotechnology, Dr Anwar Nasim, at a seminar on "Air, water and ecosystem: our children's heritage" on Saturday. The seminar was jointly organized by
Karachi University's Centre of Molecular Genetics and the British Council.
Dr Nasim said there were at least 4,500 genetic diseases. He pointed out that marriage among cousins, not uncommon in the country, was responsible for the spread of genetic diseases to a large extent.
He observed that recent advances in biotechnology had thrown up some problematic moral questions, such as whether parents should be allowed to choose the sex of their child. He added that the National Committee
on Bioethics had been established two weeks ago to tackle these issues.
The director of Karachi University's Karachi Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Dr S.H. Mujtaba Naqvi, said the government was planning to put in place a mechanism whereby saline water would be
thrown into the sea. He suggested that instead of wasting saline water it should be put to use and halophytes should be planted in it. "We have totally neglected wind energy. Some studies suggest that in coastal areas
windmills can produce a lot of energy. Cynics among us argue that windmills have failed in Pakistan because the three windmills put up in Karachi some time back have failed to operate efficiently. Those windmills
would have made some impact if they had been installed in large numbers," he said. Speaking on "Microbial pollutants of water: a far greater health risk for the growing minds and bodies", the chairperson of the
department of microbiology at the University of Karachi, Dr Shahana U. Kazmi, said water that contained a large number of bacteria might be safe for drinking. "The important consideration is that which kinds of microbes
are present in water. Intestinal pathogens, causing typhoid, dysentery, cholera, etc are of prime concern. Human fecal material dumped in lakes, rivers and oceans has presented mankind throughout the world with
colossal sanitary problems. Thus content testing of water is very important," she said.
Dr Shahid Amjad of the National Institute of Oceanography said Pakistan had the largest population of mangroves in the arid zone. "At least 25 kilograms of shrimp, 100 kilograms of fish, 15 kilograms of crabs and other
things could be produced from one hectare of mangrove. Pakistan has 230 hectares of mangroves. Mangroves could also be used for producing honey," he said.
He pointed out that unplanned land reclamation, industrial contaminants, urban and agricultural run-offs, and construction works were responsible for the decrease in the population of mangroves in Pakistan.
Earlier, the British Council director, Charlie Walker, recalled that the British Council was established in 1934 "with the rather unwieldy title of 'The British Committee for Relations with Other Countries.'
He said: "The Times heralded the establishment of the Council by saying: 'No country today can expect to be understood if it remains aloof and passive. Foreign policy alone, however wisely conceived, cannot remove
misunderstandings unless it works on a background of knowledge...' Seventy years later we continue to improve understanding between Britain and those 110 countries in which we work through a range of
programmes which bring people from the UK into direct contact with colleagues and counterparts in Pakistan for mutual benefit."
The participants came up with three resolutions at the end of the seminar. They were: "Integration of efforts for monitoring and control of pollution; contribution of non-governmental individuals; and implementation of
National Environmental Quality Standards."
Those who also spoke included Dr Lynne E. Macaskie, Birmingham University, UK; Dr Seema Jilane, NED University; Dr Badar Ghauri, Suparco; Dr Farhan Essa, Dr Essa's Labs; and Dr Uzma Badar, Centre for Molecular
Genetics, University of Karachi.
WHO satisfied with Pakistan's efforts: World microbiology moot
11 January 2005
http://www.dawn.com/2005/01/11/nat28.htm
KARACHI, Jan 10: As many as 46 confirmed cases of polio were reported in the country during 2004, with no new case in Balochistan, said the country representative of WHO on Monday.
He was speaking at a plenary session of the 'Fifth International Biennial Conference' of the Pakistan Society for Microbiology. The six-day conference under the theme 'Molecular Mechanism of Host-Pathogen
Interactions' was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi, Dr Pirzada Qasim.
Giving salient features of the polio eradication campaign in the country, the WHO representative, Dr M Azmoudeh, said the situation in Pakistan was improving, adding that just 46 new cases were reported in 2004 against
103 confirmed cases of 2003. This was 3.9 per cent of the total (1,172) polio cases reported worldwide.
In Sindh, a total of seven confirmed cases of polio were reported in October, making the tally 26, which was the highest in Pakistan. Punjab had a total of 12, while the NWFP had eight during 2004.
According to Dr Azmoudeh, of the 1,172 new polio cases detected worldwide in 2004, 760 were reported in Nigeria, 126 in India, 105 in Sudan, 29 in the Central Asia Republics, 25 in Niger, 22 in Chad, 16 in the Ivory Coast, 10
in Cameron, nine in Mali, seven in Burkina Faso, six in Benin, four each in Afghanistan and Guinea, and one each in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Botswana.
In his presentation, Dr Essa M Abdullah mentioned that viral hepatitis was a major health problem in Pakistan, and as such, there was a need to audit and update the actual frequency of HBV surface antigen and antibody.
Referring to a survey undertaken by his research group over a three-year period ending in November 2004, he said the report indicated an increased HBs-Ag carrier rate of 5.01 per cent in 22.
About 90.2 per cent antigenimia was recorded in adults, and a dramatic 75.3 per cent of the carriers were males. Dr Sharaf Ali Shah of the Dow University of Health Sciences said that 70 per cent of the HIV/AIDS cases were
detected in deported Pakistani workers, Pakistani working overseas and spouses (wives) of HIV positive deported workers.
Earlier, the KU VC, Dr Pirzada, in his inaugural address, said the biennial conference was a platform for microbiologists, and those related to the pharmaceutical industry and health services from various parts of the
world, to get together and take up the common but important aspects related to the betterment of the human population globally.
Microbiology had emerged as an important discipline and, as such, it demanded vigorous exchange of ideas among scientists, instead of working in isolation, he remarked.
On this occasion, he also expressed concern over the prevailing state of linkage between the academic and industries and termed it 'not very well preserved and developed'.
The Chairperson of the KU Microbiology department, Shahana Urooj Kazmi, told Dawn that about 20 foreigners, including those from the USA, the UK, Taiwan, Canada and Iran, were participating in the conference, while
the local delegates numbered to around 350. The conference lecture was dedicated to the memory of Prof Dr Ahmed Ali Anwer, regarded as the father of microbiology in Pakistan. He, an MPH from USA, established the
first microbiology department in the country at the University of Karachi in 1954, and was the pioneer of microbiology.
Prof Dr James A Hoch from the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, delivered the memorial lecture on "Role of the Sporulation Regulatory Pathway in Pathogenesis and Toxin Production in Bacillus anthracis.
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