World Malaria Day Commemorated in Tharparkar, Sindh: Advocating Health Equity, Gender Equality, and Human Rights
The aspiration for a malaria-free Sindh was articulated during a Malaria Walk organized by the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) in Tharparkar.
Dr. Leekhraj Sarangani, District Health Officer (DHO) Tharparkar,emphasized the imperative of an equitable healthcare system rooted in gender equality and human rights to effectively prevent and treat malaria. The walk, which drew over 30 participants including government officials, community leaders, women, and representatives from various sectors, served as a platform to discuss the impact of malaria and advocate for comprehensive healthcare strategies to address it.
Highlighting the commitment to tackle malaria, Dr. Satram Das Roopani, DMU Focal Person, underscored the importance of healthcare equality and called for intensified actions against malaria. The event shed light on challenges such as healthcare accessibility and the threats posed by climate change. Commencing from Civil Hospital Mithi and culminating at Community Midwifery School Mithi, the walk aimed to disseminate crucial messages and slogans to communities, fostering heightened awareness and engagement in malaria control efforts.
Dr. Heeranand, representing the civil society of Mithi, echoed the sentiment of collaborative efforts, stating, “To control malaria, we have to work together.”
Pakistan experienced a surge of 2.1 million additional malaria cases in 2022, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to designate it as a country with a moderate to high endemicity of malaria. In the ongoing battle against malaria, IHHN reaffirms its commitment to aiding communities in preventing and controlling malaria.
To date, the organization has ensured early diagnosis and prompt treatment for 2 million malaria patients across Pakistan.
With an approach rooted in health equity, gender equality, and human rights, IHHN aims to cultivate a healthier, more resilient, and malaria-free Pakistan.
