HYDERABAD: Malaria continues to spread at an alarming rate in Hyderabad and its surrounding nine districts, with over 21,000 new cases reported in just the last 20 days, pushing this year’s total to more than 96,000 confirmed infections.
The outbreak, driven by poor sanitation and ineffective drainage systems, is hitting vulnerable populations the hardest, particularly women and children. According to the Directorate General of Health Services' Vector-Borne Diseases Division, Jamshoro is the most affected district, followed by Badin, while Matiari has reported the fewest cases.
Health officials report that 888,975 malaria tests have been conducted across the region this year, with 96,179 testing positive. Of these, 79,775 patients were diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax, 15,263 with Plasmodium falciparum, and 1,141 with both strains.
Stagnant water in streets and neighborhoods has created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, while anti-mosquito spraying efforts have been largely absent, worsening the crisis.
Compared to data from September 21, when 74,843 cases were confirmed, infections have spiked by over 21,000 in just three weeks, indicating an escalating public health emergency.
Public health experts are urging authorities to take immediate action, including emergency fumigation drives, improved waste and water management, and community education. They warn that continued inaction from municipal and health departments could lead to further spread of the disease and a strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.
