Climate Change Exacerbates Malaria Crisis in Pakistan

Strategic Insights -

On the occasion of World Malaria Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan's Ministry of National Health Services warned that climate change is worsening the impact of malaria in the country, with over two million cases reported annually. Malaria is a major global threat, and climate change is increasing both the risk and the cases in Pakistan. Despite challenges, Pakistan is committed to ending the disease, which is not only a health imperative but also an investment in a healthier, more equitable, safer, and more prosperous future.

Key Takeaways:

  • The catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan led to 6.6 million additional malaria cases over the 3-year period from 2022 to 2024, with a peak of 2.7 million cases in 2023, compared to 399,097 cases in 2021.
  • The malaria burden in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region surged with an estimated 10.2 million cases reported in 2023, a 137% increase compared to 2015.
  • In partnership with WHO and with funding support from the Global Fund, Pakistan screened over 11.4 million malaria suspects and provided treatment to 2 million confirmed malaria patients in 2024.
  • 7.8 million insecticide-treated nets were distributed across 22 high-malaria burden districts of the country, helping to reduce the number of cases from 2.7 million in 2023 to 2 million in 2024.
  • Climate change and associated impacts such as increasing temperatures and floods have triggered an upward trend in cases and a significant risk of outbreaks in Pakistan.
  • Malaria control efforts have shown evidence of paying off, and sustained and coordinated action will be crucial to mitigating the impacts of climate change, saving lives, and building a more prosperous future for Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • 10.2 million malaria cases estimated in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region in 2023, a 137% increase compared to 2015.
  • 2.7 million malaria cases reported in 2023, compared to 399,097 cases in 2021.
  • 11.4 million malaria suspects screened in Pakistan in 2024, with 2 million confirmed malaria patients treated.
  • 7.8 million insecticide-treated nets distributed across 22 high-malaria burden districts of the country.
  • 6.6 million additional malaria cases reported in Pakistan from 2022 to 2024 due to the catastrophic 2022 floods.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan's Ministry of National Health Services.
  • The Global Fund to defeat HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.