MALARIA CONTROL                PROGRAM

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. It is one of the major public health issues globally. In 2021, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide while the number of deaths stood at 627000 in 2021. An estimated 98% of Pakistan’s population (205 million) is at varying risk while around 60% (123 million) population is at high risk for malaria. 

An estimated 500000 cases of Malaria and 5000 deaths attributed to Malaria occur annually in Pakistan.

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In this regard, FPHC has been working in collaboration with The Indus Hospital and Health Network on a project funded by the Global Fund since 2016. The project aims to contribute to the provincial strategic plan's vision of Malaria-free KP and merged areas by 2035. The project is being run in close collaboration with the district health authorities and the IVC/ MP KP. 

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FPHC has a Malaria Control Project's provincial office in Peshawar and sub-offices, initially in 6 and now in 9 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). These districts are Bannu, Charsadda, DI Khan, Hangu, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Mardan and Tank.

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The interventions include:

1. Prompt and effective case management (Malaria diagnostic and curative services): These include microscopy centers in RHC and higher level facilities and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) centers at primary-level care facilities. This further includes 40 RDT centers in private facilities in each district. These facilities are provided with Antimalarial drugs (AMDs), Lab reagents,  RDT kits, and recording and reporting tools so that free-of-cost services are provided to the community. 

2. Capacity building of health care providers on Malaria diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. This ensures the provision of quality services and adherence to the national Malaria treatment guidelines. 

3. Surveillance: The data on Malaria cases and deaths is collected, analyzed, and reported to stakeholders on a continuous basis to follow the progress of the program.  Moreover, Malaria alerts and hotspots are identified and timely actions are taken to reduce the disease burden in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders.

4. Prevention through periodic mass distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) as well as continuous distribution through Antenatal care services.

5. Behavior Change Communication (BCC): Awareness raising regarding the disease has been done through awareness sessions, and electronic and print media.​