The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for intensified efforts to eliminate malaria in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for coordinated and sustained action across all sectors. This announcement was made on April 25, 2026, coinciding with World Malaria Day.
World Health Organization highlighted that eliminating malaria within our lifetime is an achievable goal, provided countries strengthen surveillance, expand prevention measures, and ensure timely access to effective treatment. Pakistan, despite a 10% reduction in malaria incidence in 2025 compared to 2024, reported 1.8 million cases last year.
The increase in malaria cases is attributed to the aftermath of the 2022 climate-driven floods, which saw infections rise from 399,097 in 2021 to a peak of 2.7 million in 2023. Progress is further threatened by climate change, a global funding gap of $5.4 billion, and recent cuts in global health aid, which have disrupted health systems and campaigns.
As part of the World Malaria Day celebrations, WHO and partners launched a global campaign themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.” This initiative aims to protect lives and secure funding for a malaria-free future.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 26, 2026
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