A one-day special free medical camp was organised at Al-Khidmat Hospital in Dabgari Garden, Peshawar, for children affected by Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare and progressive neurological disease.
During the camp, affected children received free medical examinations, medicines, ketogenic diets and other necessary support. Their parents were also provided with counselling and information about the disease, nutrition and the daily care required by children living with the condition.
Pediatric Neurologist Dr Farhan Ali and Pediatrician Dr Abdul Hameed conducted medical examinations. Medicines, nutritional support and other essential facilities were provided with the assistance of Al-Khidmat Foundation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and donors.
The camp also included a psychosocial support programme and awareness session for parents. Experts discussed the medical, nutritional and emotional challenges faced by families caring for children with SSPE.
The affected children were registered for continued medical and other possible support in the future, allowing families to remain connected with available assistance beyond the one-day camp.
Experts at the event highlighted the importance of completing children’s recommended vaccination schedules. They explained that SSPE is a rare but serious neurological disorder associated with previous measles infection. In some cases, the measles virus can persist in the brain and, years after the original infection, lead to progressive neurological damage.
The condition can gradually affect a child’s cognitive and physical abilities and places a significant emotional and practical burden on families. Experts therefore stressed the importance of vaccination, awareness, parental counselling and supportive care.
The organisers said initiatives such as the medical camp can help affected families access specialist advice, nutritional support and essential medicines while also improving awareness about prevention.
