By Farman Ullah
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People who have malaria usually feel very sick with a high fever and shaking chills.
While the disease is uncommon in temperate climates, malaria is still common in tropical and subtropical countries. Each year nearly 290 million people are infected with malaria, and more than 400,000 people die of the disease.
To reduce malaria infections, world health programs distribute preventive drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets to protect people from mosquito bites. The World Health Organization has recommended a malaria vaccine for use in children who live in countries with high numbers of malaria cases.
Over 4,000 people in Shangla’s Puran, Bisham, and Alpuri areas have contracted malaria since June. Health officials report a surge in patients with high fever. To control the outbreak, the health department is working with locals and traders.
According to sources, Puran’s Pir Mohammad Khan Shaheed Hospital tested 5,910 malaria slides in July and August, with 3,198 positive results. Most cases came from Martung, Makhozi, and nearby areas. The hospital provides free medicine and testing.
Bisham Hospital screened 1,260 patients, with 910 testing positive. Alpuri Hospital reported fewer cases. Health officials held a meeting to discuss containment strategies and sought cooperation from stakeholders.
The Role of KP Government
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has taken steps to address the alarming rise in malaria cases in the Shangla district. The Health Department-KP has been working to control the spread of malaria through various initiatives, including procurement of electricity generators, multimedia projectors, and branding boards for malaria awareness. Additionally, they have solicited bids for the selection and rate contracting of drugs, medicines, and medical devices to combat malaria.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite these efforts, malaria remains a significant public health concern in KP, particularly in districts like Shangla. To tackle the crisis, the KP government should enhance malaria surveillance systems to identify high-risk areas and track cases. Providing free anti-malarial drugs and testing kits to affected communities is crucial. Public awareness campaigns can educate residents on preventive measures such as using insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying.
Improving healthcare infrastructure in Shangla district is essential. Upgrading hospitals and healthcare centers, recruiting more healthcare professionals, and increasing the number of female health workers will strengthen the healthcare system. Sanitation and hygiene improvements, including waste management and clean water facilities, will reduce malaria transmission.
Community-based initiatives are vital. Training local health workers to diagnose and treat malaria, establishing village health committees to monitor cases, and collaborating with NGOs and private sector organizations will enhance malaria control efforts.