Malaria Cases Surge in Pakistan Amid Climate Change: WHO Sounds Alarm – Latest Insights from EnviroNews

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health have raised an urgent alarm about the rising malaria cases in the country. This surge directly ties to the alarming effects of climate change.

Each year, Pakistan reports over two million malaria cases. Health officials emphasize that immediate action is crucial to manage this growing threat both locally and regionally. Their warnings coincide with World Malaria Day, where WHO and Pakistani officials called for a collective commitment to fight malaria.

“Malaria is a serious global issue. Climate change is not just a future problem; it’s creating real risks and rising cases now,” stated Syed Mustafa Kamal, Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister. He highlighted that tackling malaria not only addresses health concerns but is also a smart investment for a safer, healthier future for all nations.

Under the theme “Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” WHO urges countries, organizations, and communities to bolster efforts to eliminate malaria. Pakistan’s struggle intensified after the devastating floods of 2022, which added about 6.6 million cases between 2022 and 2024. In 2023 alone, malaria cases peaked at 2.7 million, a stark increase from just 399,097 in 2021.

The situation isn’t isolated; WHO reported an estimated 10.2 million malaria cases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region in 2023, reflecting a 137% increase since 2015.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan has made significant strides in malaria prevention and treatment over the past decade. In collaboration with WHO and supported by the Global Fund, the country screened over 11.4 million suspected cases and treated 2 million confirmed patients in 2024. Efforts also included distributing 7.8 million insecticide-treated nets in 22 high-burden districts, which helped reduce cases from 2.7 million in 2023 to 2 million the following year.

“WHO is committed to partnering with Pakistan to save lives through prevention and treatment,” said Dapeng Luo, WHO’s Representative in Pakistan. However, he cautioned that climate change continues to threaten progress, impacting not just Pakistan but surrounding regions as well.

According to data from 5,575 health facilities in 80 malaria-endemic districts, there’s a clear link between rising temperatures, flooding, and malaria cases. Other factors include increasing poverty, limited access to adequate healthcare, security issues in certain regions like Balochistan, and healthcare gaps in parts of Sindh.

Experts stress the importance of sustained collaboration and proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change. By reinforcing existing efforts and adapting to new risks, Pakistan can aim for a healthier future, ultimately striving to end malaria.

For more on global efforts and health statistics, you can check the World Health Organization for comprehensive data and insights.

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