Mardan: On the occasion of World Malaria Day, the Health Department Mardan organized an awareness walk aimed at educating the public about prevention from malaria, a dangerous and infectious disease. A large number of health officials, healthcare workers, journalists, social activists, and people from different walks of life participated in the event.The awareness walk was attended by DHO Mardan Dr. Sadiq Shah, Dr. Rubina Riaz (Public Health Coordinator), Dr. Sabaoon Khan (District Malaria Master Trainer and Surveillance Officer), Dr. Farhan Akram (LHW Coordinator), Mansoor Khan (District Malaria Supervisor), Muhammad Afzal (Medical Entomologist), Muhammad Arif Jan (District Coordinator FPHC Malaria Control Program), and Hazrat Hussain (Male Officer IHHN), along with other officials.Addressing the participants, DHO Mardan Dr. Sadiq Shah said that World Malaria Day is observed globally every year on April 25 to raise awareness about prevention from this deadly disease. He stated that malaria is a dangerous infectious disease affecting millions of people worldwide every year, while hundreds of thousands lose their lives due to it.
He added that malaria has also become a serious public health issue in Pakistan.He further informed that “Malaria Week” was observed in Mardan from April 21 to April 25 with the collaboration of Frontier Primary Healthcare (FPHC) and Indus Hospital and Health Network. During the week, health department staff, lady health workers, religious scholars, teachers, and social workers conducted awareness sessions in schools, colleges, mosques, health centers, and various communities to educate the public about malaria prevention, precautionary measures, and the importance of timely treatment.Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rubina Riaz said that infectious diseases like malaria can be controlled through public awareness. She emphasized that every individual has a responsibility to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and play an active role in malaria control campaigns.
District Coordinator FPHC Muhammad Arif Jan stated that during the year 2025, a total of 214,660 malaria tests were conducted in District Mardan, out of which 15,758 cases were reported positive. He warned that if precautionary measures are not adopted, the number of patients could further increase.He further shared that 113 centers have been established across District Mardan for timely diagnosis and free treatment of malaria, where patients are being provided medical facilities free of cost. The officials appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness, avoid stagnant water, and immediately visit the nearest health center in case of fever.
