Malaria in Pakistan

World Health Organization have reported an increase in malaria cases in Pakistan. From January through to August 2022, more than 3.4 million suspected cases of malaria were reported in Pakistan compared with 2.6 million suspected cases reported in 2021. The recent flood crisis that began in mid-June has resulted in a surge in cases in Balochistan and Sindh provinces.

Advice for Travellers

While higher than expected cases of malaria continue to be reported, all travellers to Pakistan should:

• be made aware of the risk of malaria, given the current increase in cases
• practice strict mosquito bite avoidance, the mainstay of malaria prevention

In addition to the usual high-risk areas shown on the TRAVAX Pakistan malaria map:

• due to the widespread flooding in Pakistan, antimalarial chemoprophylaxis is advised for travellers to flood-affected areas – atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended
• southern and central Pakistan have been most affected, particularly Balochistan and Sindh provinces
• further information on affected areas is available in the Pakistan 2022 Floods Response Plan: 01 Sep 2022 - 31 May 2023

Travellers returning from malarious areas should seek prompt medical advice if they develop a fever during travel or on their return, ensuring they highlight their potential exposure to malaria.

See the TRAVAX Malaria section for further information.

For further information on other potential health risks associated with the flooding in Pakistan, please see the outbreak alert posted 2 September 2022.