ISLAMABAD – The Directorate of Malaria Control Pakistan has released results from the country’s first-ever G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) pilot project, marking a milestone in efforts to enhance malaria treatment protocols across high-risk regions.
The findings were presented during a malaria prevention meeting held in Islamabad on Saturday, attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Global Fund, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), and other international partners.
G6PD Testing to Revolutionize Malaria Diagnosis
Dr. Mukhtar Bharth, Director of the National Malaria Control Programme, briefed participants on how G6PD testing is being successfully integrated into Pakistan’s primary healthcare infrastructure. The pilot project spanned nine malaria-affected districts, where the testing helped guide more effective and safer treatment protocols.
“Introducing G6PD testing ensures that patients receive the right drug at the right time,” Dr. Bharth explained. “This is crucial in reducing side effects and improving recovery rates.”
The G6PD enzyme plays a key role in protecting red blood cells. Patients with G6PD deficiency can experience severe complications from certain anti-malarial drugs like Primaquine, making this testing essential before treatment.
Flood-Driven Outbreaks Highlight Urgency
Dr. Bharth also emphasized that Pakistan’s devastating floods in 2022 triggered a surge in malaria cases, with over 2.8 million infections reported. The crisis underscored the need for improved treatment strategies, especially in rural and flood-affected regions where healthcare access remains limited.
“Floods create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and we saw a massive outbreak,” he said. “This pilot project is part of a broader national strategy to prevent such outbreaks from escalating into full-blown health emergencies.”
Tafenoquine: A New Hope in Malaria Treatment
Traditionally, Pakistani patients were prescribed a 14-day Primaquine regimen. However, studies showed that most patients discontinued the drug after just 2-3 days, leading to relapse and continued transmission.
Dr. Bharth revealed that Tafenoquine, a new single-dose anti-malarial drug, could be a game-changer. “Patients don’t complete long courses. But Tafenoquine offers a single-dose alternative, which could dramatically improve treatment adherence and reduce recurrence,” he stated.
Pakistan now plans to adopt Tafenoquine after further clinical research and safety evaluations, potentially joining countries like Australia and the U.S., where it is already in use.
Pakistan to Host Global Malaria Conference in 2026
In a major development, Dr. Bharth also announced that Pakistan will host the International Conference on Malaria Elimination in 2026. The event aims to bring together global scientists, researchers, and health leaders to share innovations and enhance cross-border collaboration.
“This conference will put Pakistan on the global map of malaria research and showcase our commitment to disease elimination,” he said.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its goal of eliminating malaria by 2035, aligning with global health targets. Officials said the G6PD pilot project would now expand to more districts, forming a core part of Pakistan’s national malaria strategy.
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