Experts urge public awareness to strengthen hygiene efforts to control Malaria crisis

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Apr, 2026) Experts on World Malaria Day Saturday stressed urgent need for action as malaria cases surge due to climate-driven disasters, with children under 5 being particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, raising awareness about climate change and addressing population movements to combat the disease.

Dr. Mah Talat, Executive Director of the Community Health Directorate, expressed serious concern on World Malaria Day, emphasizing that a clean environment is the foundation of a healthy life.

She stated that a clean environment is the first condition for a healthy life. He urged people to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings, eliminate stagnant water, protect themselves from mosquitoes, and seek timely medical check-ups to prevent the spread of malaria.

These basic steps are crucial in tackling the disease, especially in regions affected by environmental changes and population movements.

She further mentioned a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on World Malaria Day highlighted that Pakistan has yet not fully recover from the malaria surge triggered by the devastating 2022 climate-driven floods.

The floods caused widespread destruction, creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, particularly in waterlogged areas, which greatly contributed to the increased spread of malaria.

Despite this setback, WHO, in collaboration with its partners, launched a global campaign under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.” The campaign aims to protect lives and fund efforts toward a malaria-free future, she added.

Encouragingly, Pakistan has managed to reduce the emergence of malaria cases compared to the previous year, showing positive progress toward combating the disease, though continued efforts are essential, she added.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is primarily found in tropical regions and though preventable and treatable, continues to pose a major health risk in many areas.

Dr. Irum Zareef, another health specialist, emphasized the alarming situation in Pakistan, where million people are at high risk of contracting malaria.

Dr. Zareef specifically pointed out that children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable, with 90% of those infected not surviving the disease without timely intervention.

This highlights the urgent need for enhanced malaria prevention efforts, especially in high-risk communities, where targeted interventions like mosquito control and early diagnosis are crucial for saving lives.

Dr. Irum Zareef also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among pregnant women, particularly in high-risk areas like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where malaria is more prevalent. She stressed that pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the effects of malaria, which can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Educating women about prevention methods, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and seeking timely medical care, is crucial to reducing the risk for both mothers and their unborn children in these regions, she added.

In conclusion, experts on World Malaria Day stressed the urgent need for action to combat malaria, particularly through prevention, healthcare access, and awareness.

They emphasized that while malaria is preventable and treatable, continued efforts are essential to achieving a malaria-free future.