Skin Diseases Spread Among Children In Bajaur IDP Camp Amid Poor Hygiene And Lack Of Medical Care

Families residing in the Bajaur IDP camp, already forced to endure hardships and displacement, are now facing yet another crisis. Poor hygiene conditions inside the camp, overcrowded tents, and a shortage of clean drinking water have left dozens of innocent children suffering from skin infections.

Parents say their children struggle through sleepless nights due to rashes, persistent itching, and marks appearing on their hands, feet, and faces, while treatment facilities are almost nonexistent.

Hundreds of families are living in tents at the Bajaur Sports Complex, where there is no proper sanitation system and no drainage for dirty water. The unhygienic conditions and contamination have caused various skin problems among children, including sores and rashes, which are worsening with each passing day.

Musarrat Bibi, a mother living in the camp, broke into tears while describing her five-year-old son's condition:
"Red rashes have appeared all over my child's body. He cries and scratches all night. I want to give him medicine, but nothing is available here. Where do we go?"

Mohammad Shafi, whose two children are affected, expressed his frustration:
"First we were forced out of our homes, and now these diseases are consuming our children. It feels like no one is listening to us."

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Dermatologist Dr. Syed Khan confirmed that the condition is a contagious skin infection known as Impetigo. He explained that such diseases thrive in unhygienic environments:
"Overcrowding, dampness, and filth in places like IDP camps are major factors behind the spread of these infections. Lack of clean water and weak immunity make children the most vulnerable. If immediate treatment and sanitation measures are not taken, the disease will spread further and could become complicated."

When TNN contacted Bajaur District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Gohar Khan, he acknowledged receiving complaints but admitted that the lack of medicines had made it difficult to send dermatologists to the camp:
"We have now arranged for the medicines, and Insha'Allah our medical team will reach the camp tomorrow or the day after to help the affected children."

He also pointed out that no special funds have been allocated by the provincial government for such medicines.

Local social activist Muhammad Shoaib, who is monitoring the situation in the camp, warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the disease could spread rapidly and affect more children. He urged the government, welfare organizations, and international NGOs to take immediate action to provide medical facilities to the affected families.

The outbreak of skin diseases in the Bajaur IDP camp is not just a medical issue but a sign of a major humanitarian crisis. If timely and effective measures are not implemented, the situation could take a serious turn. Authorities must act now to ensure proper sanitation, access to clean drinking water, and adequate medical facilities to protect these vulnerable children.

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