A government household survey has revealed a deepening public health crisis in Pakistan, where thousands of people die every year from preventable infectious diseases.
The Household Economic Survey has uncovered horrifying revelations, showing that hepatitis, malaria, dengue, and tuberculosis (TB) are spreading rapidly across the country. Thousands of Pakistanis fall victim to these diseases annually, placing immense strain on the healthcare system.
Unsafe injections, stagnant water, and poor sanitation have been identified as the primary causes fueling the outbreaks.
Hepatitis B cases surge nationwide
According to the survey, 463 out of every 100,000 people were diagnosed with hepatitis B during 2024–25. The highest rate was recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 671 patients per 100,000 population were reported.
In Balochistan, the hepatitis B rate stood at 272 patients per 100,000. The disease was found to be more prevalent in rural areas, with 501 cases per 100,000 compared to 402 cases per 100,000 in urban areas.
Hepatitis C most prevalent in Punjab
Hepatitis C cases reached 599 patients per 100,000 population nationwide, the survey revealed. The highest prevalence was recorded in Punjab, with 778 cases per 100,000 population.
Rural areas again showed higher vulnerability, reporting 684 cases per 100,000, while urban regions recorded 464 cases per 100,000 people.
Malaria remains major threat
The malaria rate across Pakistan during 2024–25 was recorded at 43 patients per 1,000 people. Sindh reported the highest malaria prevalence at 118 patients per thousand.
Punjab recorded the lowest malaria rate at 12 patients per thousand. The survey found malaria to be more common in rural areas, with 49 cases per thousand compared to 34 cases per thousand in urban settings.
Dengue cases highest in KP
Nationally, dengue affected 2 people per 1,000 population during the survey period. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest dengue rate at five patients per thousand people.
Punjab reported one dengue patient per thousand, while urban areas were more affected than rural regions, with four cases per thousand compared to two cases per thousand.
TB continues to affect thousands
The survey found that three out of every 1,000 Pakistanis were suffering from tuberculosis. Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest TB burden at four patients per thousand households.
Balochistan reported the lowest TB rate, with one patient per thousand households. TB was found to be more prevalent in rural areas than urban centers.
The Household Economic Survey emphasized the urgent need to scale up vaccination, screening programs, mosquito control efforts, improved sanitation, and public awareness campaigns. Health experts warn that without immediate action, infectious diseases will continue to claim thousands of lives each year.
