Equity and Actionability in Bilingual Digital Pneumonia Communication in a Lower-Middle-Income Setting: A Qualitative Analysis from Pakistan

Authors

  • Mehwish Arif NED University of Engineering & Technology,Karachi, Pakistan
  • Sajida` Zaki NED University of Engineering & Technology,Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21015/vtess.v14i1.2364

Abstract

Pneumonia, a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality in Pakistan needs to be studied beyond biomedical interventions to address structural inequities, language barriers, and the role of inclusive e-health communication in improving outcomes. Caregivers often access online health information for prevention and treatment of pneumonia, yet the translation of pneumonia related information ENG-UR received little attention. In this study, seven publicly available bilingual English–Urdu materials (three pamphlets and four web pages) published after 2015 by recognised health organisations were analysed and compared against content coverage, meaning consistency, terminology used, and actionability. Although core themes were maintained across languages, systematic differences were observed: English texts were generally more explanatory, whereas Urdu versions were more directive and condensed. Guidance on urgency and care-seeking was inconsistently presented, particularly in digital formats. Findings suggest that strengthening quality assurance of bilingual health communication may enhance clarity and support more timely care-seeking and equitable access to information.

Author Biography

Sajida` Zaki, NED University of Engineering & Technology,Karachi, Pakistan

Sajida Zaki is a Professor of English and Applied Linguistics, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, Pakistan. She is a higher and ESL education industry specialist with extensive teacher preparation, and research supervision experience. She has several publications to her credit on the themes related to second language teaching learning, language pedagogy, academic writing, instructional-design, world Englishes. She is the Vice Chair of the Linguistic Association of Pakistan and a Senior Fellow of the Advanced Women’s Leadership Program- Michigan State University, USA. 

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Arif, M., & Zaki, S. (2026). Equity and Actionability in Bilingual Digital Pneumonia Communication in a Lower-Middle-Income Setting: A Qualitative Analysis from Pakistan. VFAST Transactions on Education and Social Sciences, 14(1), 71–85. https://doi.org/10.21015/vtess.v14i1.2364

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): January-March

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Articles

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