Climate Change Worsening Malaria Crisis in Pakistan, Warns WHO and National Health Authorities

Islamabad:The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan’s National Institute of Health have jointly sounded the alarm over the worsening impact of climate change on malaria in the country, where over 2 million confirmed cases are reported annually.

In a stark warning, Pakistani health officials stated that climate change is accelerating the spread of malaria, particularly in vulnerable and flood-affected regions. Both WHO and the Government of Pakistan have urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts immediately to counter the growing threat posed to the country and the wider region.

The aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods resulted in an alarming spike in malaria cases, with over 6.6 million additional infections recorded between 2022 and 2024. In 2024 alone, more than 11.4 million individuals were screened for malaria, with 2 million receiving confirmed diagnoses and treatment.

**Significant Progress, but Challenges Remain**

Despite these challenges, WHO noted that with support from the Global Fund, Pakistan has made notable progress over the last decade in combating malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. This includes increased access to preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment.

One of the key interventions has been the large-scale distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. In 2024, over 7.8 million such nets were distributed across more than 22 high-burden districts. This effort has contributed to a reduction in malaria cases from 2.7 million in 2023 to 2 million in 2024.

Dr. Palitha Mahipala, WHO’s representative in Pakistan, expressed pride in the organization’s collaboration with Pakistan to save lives through malaria prevention and treatment. “This partnership shows that investing in malaria control works,” he said. “But we are also witnessing how climate change is undermining this progress — a growing threat not just for Pakistan but for the entire region.”

**Climate Change and Health: A Looming Crisis**

According to data from 5,575 health facilities in 80 outbreak-prone districts, rising temperatures and increased flooding — both linked to climate change — have created ideal conditions for the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria. These environmental factors, combined with poverty, limited access to diagnostics and treatment, and fragile health infrastructure — especially in Balochistan, tribal areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Sindh — are exacerbating the crisis.

Dr. Mahipala stressed that malaria can be eliminated if all stakeholders commit to preventive action, sustainable investment, and developing strategies to adapt to the new threats posed by climate change.

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