HYDERABAD: Sindh Deputy Director General Malaria Control Programme Dr. Mushtaq Ali Shah has revealed that more than 1.6 million malaria tests have been conducted across the province, out of which nearly 200,000 cases were found positive.
Free malaria testing and treatment facilities have been set up at 1,594 medical centers across Sindh.
Speaking to the media after visiting the dengue ward at Liaquat University Hospital (LUH) Hyderabad, Dr Shah confirmed that one death has been reported from Hyderabad and another from Karachi East due to dengue fever.
Liaquat University Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Ali Akbar Dahri, District Health Officer Hyderabad Dr. Pir Ghulam Hussain, and other officials were also present during the briefing.
Dr. Shah explained that dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water and that the disease usually lasts for about six days before it begins to subside. He emphasized that people should not panic but take maximum preventive measures to avoid infection.
The spokesperson for Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho said Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Badin, Thatta, Jacobabad, and Larkana are among the most affected districts, where anti-mosquito activities are underway.
According to official figures, Hyderabad Division has recorded the highest number of malaria cases 192,300 in total. These include 7,054 cases in Hyderabad district, 22,293 in Jamshoro, and 19,478 in Badin. Larkana Division reported 52,038 cases, Mirpurkhas 19,323, Shaheed Benazirabad 23,439, Sukkur 17,021, and Karachi Division 3,072 cases.
The health minister’s spokesperson said health department teams are conducting daily malaria testing, treatment, and fumigation campaigns across the province. In rural areas, field teams are distributing mosquito nets and conducting awareness drives door to door.
The Sindh government, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and partner agencies, is implementing a comprehensive strategy to control malaria, dengue, and other vector-borne diseases.
Citizens have been urged to maintain cleanliness inside and outside their homes, avoid water stagnation, use mosquito nets, and immediately visit the nearest hospital or health center in case of fever or chills.
