PESHAWAR, Sep 06 (APP):A one-day special free medical camp for children affected by `Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)’, a rare and progressive neurological disease, was organized at Al-Khidmat Hospital, Dabgari Garden, Peshawar. During the camp, children affected by SSPE were provided free medical examinations, medicines, ketogenic diets and other necessary support, while their parents received counseling and awareness about the disease and care of affected children. Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Farhan Ali …
Free medical camp held for children affected by SSPE at Al-Khidmat hospital
PESHAWAR, Sep 06 (APP):A one-day special free medical camp for children affected by `Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)’, a rare and progressive neurological disease, was organized at Al-Khidmat Hospital, Dabgari Garden, Peshawar.
During the camp, children affected by SSPE were provided free medical examinations, medicines, ketogenic diets and other necessary support, while their parents received counseling and awareness about the disease and care of affected children.
Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Farhan Ali and Pediatrician Dr. Abdul Hameed conducted free medical examinations of the children.
Medicines, ketogenic diets and other essential facilities were provided to deserving patients with the support of Al-Khidmat Foundation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and generous donors.
Psychosocial support and a special awareness session were also arranged for parents to help them better understand the condition and meet the medical, nutritional and emotional needs of their children.
On the occasion, Dr. Asia, Psychologist; Professor Dr. Shazia Aurangzeb of Peshawar Medical College; President Al-Khidmat Foundation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Khalid Waqas; President Pakistan Pediatric Association (Central) Professor Dr. Muhammad Aqeel; and parents of affected children spoke about the challenges associated with SSPE and the need for continued support to affected families.
The main objective of the camp was to provide free medical care to children affected by SSPE and guide their parents on better care, nutritional requirements and day-to-day management of the condition.
The affected children were also registered for continued medical and other possible support in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, experts stressed the importance of completing the recommended childhood immunization schedule to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
They said that lack of awareness, misconceptions or other barriers sometimes prevent parents from vaccinating their children against infectious diseases, potentially exposing them to serious complications.
According to the experts, while most children recover from measles, in some cases the measles virus can persist in the brain and, years later, lead to SSPE, a rare but fatal progressive neurological disorder.
They said SSPE gradually damages the brain and can cause severe neurological deterioration, affecting a child’s cognitive and physical abilities.
Experts said caring for a child affected by SSPE was an extremely difficult and distressing experience for parents, making parental counseling, psychosocial support and proper nutrition particularly important.
Parents were provided detailed guidance on child care, nutrition and other supportive measures during the camp.
The experts urged parents to ensure that their children receive all recommended vaccinations on time and follow basic preventive health measures to protect them from infectious diseases.
They emphasized that awareness, timely vaccination and preventive healthcare could protect children from many serious infectious diseases and reduce the risk of associated complications.
