2025 FELLOWSHIPS AT VOICE OF WATER
Climate Change

Deadly Surge: Sindh Seeks WHO’s Urgent Help to Fight Mosquito-Borne Diseases During Monsoon

Sindh Health Department seeks WHO’s urgent assistance to control mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria amid worsening monsoon conditions and climate change.

The Sindh Health Department has made an urgent and emotional appeal to the World Health Organization (WHO) as the province braces for a potential health crisis due to the sharp rise in mosquito-borne diseases. With the monsoon rains in full swing, fears of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya outbreaks have escalated dramatically.

At the heart of the plea lies an acknowledgment: climate change is reshaping public health challenges in Pakistan.


Mosquito-Borne Diseases and Monsoon: A Dangerous Link

Mosquito-borne diseases have historically surged during the monsoon season, when stagnant water becomes an ideal breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes. In 2024, Sindh reported over 23,000 cases of dengue and 15,000+ malaria cases, with Karachi accounting for more than half of the total burden.

This year, the rainfall has arrived earlier and heavier—fueled by climate volatility, raising red flags among health authorities and disaster management officials.

Fact: According to WHO, climate-sensitive diseases like dengue and malaria are expected to grow in regions already vulnerable due to poverty and poor infrastructure. (Source)


Sindh Government’s Official Appeal to WHO

In a formal letter sent to the WHO Pakistan office on Monday, the Sindh Health Department asked for technical and operational support to prepare for and respond to the expected outbreaks.

The department expressed deep concern about the escalating mosquito-borne infections and requested immediate international cooperation to save lives and prevent a full-blown crisis.


What Sindh Requested from WHO

The key requests made to WHO included:

  • Case management kits for dengue and malaria
  • Diagnostic services and rapid testing equipment
  • Indoor residual insecticide spraying units
  • Training for healthcare workers to manage outbreaks
  • Technical guidance on real-time disease surveillance

The letter also emphasized gratitude for WHO’s past assistance and called for sustained collaboration during the high-risk monsoon months.


Why WHO’s Support is Critical

WHO’s involvement could boost Sindh’s health system capacity, especially in low-income urban and rural areas with fragile infrastructure. In many remote districts of Larkana, Tharparkar, and Badin, public health workers lack access to standard diagnostic tools, putting thousands at risk.

WHO’s expertise in vector control, emergency response, and capacity building can play a life-saving role in these critical weeks.

Power Word Insight: “This is not just a seasonal uptick. It’s a climate-fueled health emergency,” said one senior official at the Sindh Health Department.


Climate Change and Vector-Borne Health Risks

Pakistan is one of the top 10 most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Rising temperatures and erratic rain patterns are expanding the range of disease-carrying mosquitoes, allowing them to thrive in previously low-risk areas.

This year’s intense heatwaves, followed by heavy rains, have created perfect storm conditions for mosquito population explosions.

According to a 2023 WHO regional briefing, vector-borne diseases will likely double in frequency by 2030 in South Asia if global climate inaction persists. (Source)


What Is Being Done Locally

The Sindh government has already launched:

  • Fumigation drives in urban centers
  • Public awareness campaigns
  •  Emergency medical wards in major hospitals
  •  Distribution of mosquito nets in rural areas

Still, without international support and timely logistics, local response remains limited. Experts fear that under-resourced hospitals may collapse under the rising caseload.


How Public Can Help Prevent Mosquito Breeding

While the government calls for global support, citizens can play a major role in limiting the spread of these deadly diseases.

Here are five simple ways the public can help:

  1. Eliminate stagnant water from rooftops, gardens, and containers.
  2. Use mosquito repellents and nets, especially at night.
  3. Keep drains and gutters unclogged.
  4. Participate in community fumigation programs.
  5. Report fever symptoms early and avoid self-medication.

Internal Link: Read our guide on How to Prevent Dengue in Monsoon


Conclusion: Time for Global Solidarity

Sindh’s appeal to WHO is a call to global solidarity in the fight against climate-driven health threats. As disease patterns shift due to environmental change, international cooperation becomes not just helpful but essential.

With timely support, WHO can help save thousands of lives in the coming weeks. The world must act, and act fast, because the next outbreak is already brewing in the waters left behind by the monsoon.

VOW Desk

The Voice of Water: news media dedicated for water conservation.
Back to top button