The 32 districts of Sindh and Balochistan were “worst affected” by malaria, with thousands of cases reported daily, said WHO representative in Pakistan Dr. Palitha Mahipala.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of 2.7 million malaria cases in flood-hit Pakistan by January 2023.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Palitha Mahipala called on the international community to “do much more” to save lives in Pakistan, saying they expected 2.7 million cases of malaria in 32 districts by January 2023.
He said 46 flood-affected areas are experiencing acute watery diarrhea (AWD) outbreaks while malaria outbreaks are reported in 32 districts. Moreover, cholera, measles and dengue outbreaks are among other diseases that can lead to heavy losses if not given immediate attention, he told reporters at a briefing at the WHO office in Islamabad.
Talking about malaria, Dr Mahipala said 32 districts of Sindh and Balochistan were “worst hit” by malaria, with thousands of cases reported daily, adding that they feared 2 million malaria cases by December and around 2.7 million cases by the end of . January 2023 from these districts.
“To prevent malaria deaths, WHO is providing $2.5 million worth of rapid diagnostic kits and antimalarial drugs, while technical support is being provided to federal and provincial governments to address malaria epidemics. Since larvicidal preventive measures are not possible in flood-affected areas, prophylactic treatment and post-exposure treatment are provided for the treatment of malaria patients,” he said.
“Outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea are reported from 46 districts of Pakistan, while dengue has emerged as another major public health concern, especially in Karachi and some other districts of Sindh. Unfortunately, the death reporting mechanism is not very strong, so we do not know the actual number of deaths, but the situation is deteriorating to the worst in the affected districts,” he said.
Acknowledging outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, including cholera and typhoid in flood-affected areas, the representative said malnutrition was another serious challenge for health authorities as malnourished children could fall easy prey to infectious diseases, adding that special campaigns have been launched to vaccinate as many children as possible in the affected districts, Geo News reported.
Dr. Mahipala identified the approaching winter as the third major problem in the flood-affected areas, saying the combination of water-borne and vector-borne diseases and harsh winters could become extremely deadly for the millions of flood-affected people who live hundreds of kilometers away. roads in Sindh and Balochistan.
He insisted that WHO has declared the floods in Pakistan as a level 3 emergency, the highest level, which means that all three levels of the organization – provincial and regional authorities as well as headquarters – are involved in the response.
He added that the WHO has requested US$81.5 million to deal with disease outbreaks and provide basic health services to people at risk.