Pakistan renews pledge to malaria eradication on World Malaria Day 2024

Today, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (M/o NHSR&C), alongside the Common Management Unit (CMU) for AIDS, TB, and Malaria, in partnership with World Health Organization-who, marked World Malaria Day 2024 with steadfast dedication to the global theme, "“Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world": Gender, Health Equity, and Human Rights

Stressing the need to scale up malaria control and elimination interventions and raise awareness, Mr. Syed Waqar Ul Hassan, Special Secretary of the M/o NHSR&C, addressed the lingering public health challenge posed by malaria, exacerbated by the 2022 floods. He called for a united effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, UN agencies, NGOS, communities, and healthcare providers.

Dr. Razia Kaniz Fatima, National Coordination for Coordination Management Unit, AIDS, TB, and Malaria, shared that CMU in collaboration with the Provincial Programs and with the support of the Global Fund and partnership with the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) is providing free of cost malaria prevention, diagnostic and treatment interventions through more than 5500 public and private healthcare facilities in farflung areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. With the GF support, about 11.1 million suspected were tested for Malaria, and 2.6 million confirmed cases were successfully treated during last year. Further, 6.1 million ITNS were distributed in 20 high burden districts. Dr. Fatima highlighted the importance of innovative measures and scale up of preventive services for Malaria.

Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative Pakistan, reaffirmed

WHO'S commitment to combat malaria and support initiatives for a malaria-free Pakistan. He lauded the accelerated response of National and Provincial programs to combat malaria outbreaks during floods, while presenting an animated video providing a historical overview of the malaria situation.

Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor Health Services Academy emphasized the profound impact of malaria on individuals, families, and communities, urging heightened political and social commitment to alleviate its burden. He commended the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, researchers, policymakers, and communities worldwide in the fight against malaria.