K-P flood-hit districts in the grip of malaria

After cholera and diarrhoea, malaria and dengue are most widespread diseases

PESHAWAR:

After the waterborne diseases, most of the flood-hit districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have been gripped by malaria and dengue too, multiplying the miseries of flood victims who are yet to be rehabilitated.

This has happened despite repeated warnings of experts who had urged the provincial government and health department to take preventive measures.

Official sources told The Express Tribune that the health department has directed all district health officers (DHOs) to take strict measures for the control of malaria in their districts.

In Lakki Marwat district around 198 cases of malaria have been reported in a single day, followed by 113 in Malakand, 68 in DI Khan, 58 in Tank, 37 in Dir Lower, 28 in Charsadda, 27 in Nowshera, five in Mardan, four each in Swat and Kohistan Upper and one case each in Peshawar, Chitral Upper and Chitral Lower.

“After cholera and diarrhoea, malaria and dengue are the most widespread,” said an official of health department, adding that the flood victims have not been provided with beds nets to protect them from mosquito bites. Standing floodwater pools are a suitable breeding grounds for all types of mosquitos and insects.

On the other hand, the health department has been without protective gear against malaria which could be provided to flood victims to prevent them from dengue and malaria.

“The department has issued a tender for the purchase of these items but the supply has been delayed causing more problems for the department and flood-victims alike.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2022.