$39.2m for malaria control in Pakistan

Islamabad

The Global Fund (TGF) has pledged $39.2 million for malaria control interventions in 66 high malaria endemic districts of Pakistan. Malaria control strategies for the upcoming grant, which will be implemented during 2018-2020, are founded on the principles of Roll Back Malaria (RBM) and are aligned with WHO guidelines and recommendations of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria Control 2016-2030.

Dr. Baseer Khan Achakzai, Director of the Directorate of Malaria Control (DMC), shared this piece of information with ‘The News’ on the eve of World Malaria Day, which is being observed worldwide today (Tuesday) to raise awareness about the disease, and to strengthen the fight against malaria.

“We have to keep reminding people that malaria can be prevented and if someone is infected, it can be treated,” Dr. Achakzai started off as if reminding the media of its role in raising public awareness.

Some of the key activities that will be undertaken by virtue of TGF grant include a National Malaria Prevalence Survey; National G6PD Deficiency Survey; expansion of malaria diagnostic and treatment services to achieve universal coverage; distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) to sustain universal coverage; additional involvement of private sector for diagnosis and treatment; Onsite Data Verification and Rapid Service Quality Assessment Survey; strengthening of surveillance and reporting mechanism; trainings and online MIS system; raising awareness by strengthening Behaviour Change Communication activities; and advocacy for malaria prevention at all levels.

How many malaria cases do we have in Pakistan every year, Dr. Achakzai was asked. “Pakistan reports an estimated 1 million cases annually. As such, the country has been categorized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in group-3 countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, along with Afghanistan, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen; sharing 95% of the total regional burden.