Karachi, In a significant stride toward public health improvement, the Directorate of Malarial Control (DoMC) and the Aga Khan University’s Malaria Elimination Consortium (AKU-MEC) have announced a collaborative effort to eradicate malaria in Pakistan by 2035. This initiative also involves the Ministry for Health, Sindh, the department for Vector Borne Diseases, and Zenysis Technologies.

According to The Aga Khan University, a symposium that brought together leaders and experts from various sectors was recently held at the university. The event, led by Professor Dr. M Asim Beg, highlighted the critical steps needed for the malaria elimination plan under the GLIDE project. Health Minister, Dr. Azra Pechuho emphasized the importance of implementing Phase 1 recommendations to transform Thatta District into a model for malaria elimination.

During the symposium, the AKU President, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, expressed confidence in Pakistan’s potential to achieve malaria elimination by 2035, citing success stories from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, China, and the UAE. Additionally, the AKU-MEC announced the upcoming establishment of a vector science research facility as part of the AKU-Lisbon Research Initiative, aiming to enhance scientific research and public health efforts.

A Memorandum of Understanding between AKU and the Directorate of Malaria Control was also signed, enabling the sharing of national data to bolster national surveillance and decision-making processes in combating malaria.

The MEC symposium marks a pivotal point in Pakistan’s fight against malaria, focusing on overcoming challenges and reshaping community perspectives on the disease.