Pakistan Observes World Malaria Day with Focus on Health Equity and Gender Equality

Islamabad, As the world marks World Malaria Day 2024, Pakistan joins in the observance with a theme centered on advancing health equity, gender equality, and human rights. The day emphasizes the importance of involving multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, donors, healthcare providers, and community members, in the fight against malaria.

According to Press Information Department, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the need for collaboration and learning from each other’s experiences to combat the disease, which affects over 1 million Pakistanis each year. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of research and academic institutions in advancing scientific progress and sharing information with both experts and the general public.

Despite Pakistan’s achievements in malaria control, sustaining progress remains a challenge. The government aims to increase public involvement in combating the disease and ensuring that every individual has access to quality assured malaria testing and treatment facilities, free of cost, at their doorstep. The Ministry of National Health Services and Coordination, through the Common Management Unit Malaria, along with national and international partners, provincial counterparts, NGOs, and private stakeholders, has significantly expanded free malaria testing and treatment facilities in malaria-endemic districts across the country.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the critical role of the private sector and global partners in providing equitable health services. He called on all partners, organizations, healthcare professionals, and individuals to unite in the effort to end malaria. The collaborative approach involves strengthening healthcare systems, increasing access to quality diagnosis and treatment, and raising awareness about malaria prevention and control measures.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that with political commitment and adequate investment, a world free of malaria is achievable. He urged all stakeholders to work together to reach this common goal.