Climate Crisis Worsens Malaria in Pakistan: WHO Warns of Dangerous Surge in Cases

Climate change is worsening malaria in Pakistan, threatening public health and reversing years of progress in disease control. On World Malaria Day (25 April 2025), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services issued a powerful joint warning: unless immediate action is taken, the disease could spiral beyond control.

Climate Change and the Surge in Malaria Cases

In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed over 2 million malaria cases annually, a staggering number driven largely by climate-related disasters such as rising temperatures, floods, and erratic weather patterns.

According to WHO, malaria cases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region jumped to 10.2 million in 2023, marking a 137% increase since 2015. In Pakistan alone, cases skyrocketed from 399,097 in 2021 to 2.7 million in 2023, largely due to the catastrophic 2022 floods.

“Malaria is a major global threat, and we are seeing firsthand how climate change is increasing both the risk and the cases in our country,” said Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal.

WHO and Pakistan’s Joint Response

Under the global theme, “Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” WHO is urging governments and partners to support Pakistan’s malaria response with greater funding, strategic intervention, and climate-resilient healthcare systems.

“We know how to end malaria, and we can do it if all stakeholders invest and work together to reinforce the response,” emphasized Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan.

2024 Achievements at a Glance:

• 11.4 million people screened for malaria.
• 2 million patients treated with antimalarial medication.
• 7.8 million insecticide-treated bed nets distributed across 22 high-burden districts.

These interventions led to a decrease in malaria cases from 2.7 million in 2023 to 2 million in 2024—a testament to what focused effort can achieve.

Floods and Their Role in Malaria Transmission

Climate change-induced floods have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, Pakistan’s primary malaria vectors. The 2022 deluge caused by unusual monsoon patterns impacted over 33 million people and inundated entire districts, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.

Between 2022 and 2024, an additional 6.6 million malaria cases were recorded—turning back the clock on nearly a decade of progress.

“Climate-driven emergencies not only spread malaria but also destroy infrastructure, delay treatment, and displace millions,” said WHO’s regional experts.

Progress Made and Remaining Challenges

Despite Pakistan’s proactive efforts, multiple challenges persist:

• High poverty levels limit access to healthcare.
• Security risks in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hinder outreach efforts.
• Limited access to diagnostics and trained healthcare providers continues to be a barrier in rural districts.

With 80 districts considered malaria-endemic, surveillance and rapid response systems need major reinforcement.

Malaria Control Strategy in High-Risk Districts

Pakistan’s malaria control program, in collaboration with The Global Fund and WHO, has intensified its operations in high-transmission zones. These include:

• Targeted bed net distribution in Sindh, Balochistan, and KP.
• Mass screenings and mobile clinics in displaced communities.
• Data collection and AI-powered forecasting to predict outbreaks and allocate resources.

“We must invest in climate-smart health systems to mitigate the long-term effects of climate change on vector-borne diseases,” noted a WHO technical advisor.

The Call for Global Solidarity

WHO is calling on international donors, NGOs, researchers, and governments to join the Big Push to End Malaria. With climate change acting as a disease multiplier, regional cooperation is now a moral and strategic imperative.

“It is not just a health imperative – it is an investment in a healthier, more equitable, safer, and more prosperous future,” declared Minister Kamal.

Learn More:

• WHO Pakistan
• Global Fund Malaria Investments

Conclusion: The Need for Urgent, Sustained Action

As climate change is worsening malaria in Pakistan, the country stands at a crossroads. The actions taken today—whether through smarter policies, increased funding, or public health innovation—will determine the trajectory of millions of lives.

Ending malaria is possible. But it will require climate-adaptive solutions, stronger public-private partnerships, and unwavering global commitment.

Internal Links:

• Pakistan Climate Vulnerability and Health Impacts
• How Floods Are Reshaping Public Health in Pakistan