Pakistan committed to fighting malaria: PM in London

LONDON: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday pointed out a significant reduction observed in the overall incidence of Plasmodium falciparum cases by more than 80 percent between 2013 and 2017 in Pakistan, said his country through its enhanced efforts and support of donors and partners remained committed to the fight against malaria.

While speaking at the Malaria Summit, he said, “We have started mobilising domestic resources and investing in the control and elimination of all communicable disease. The allocation for malaria control by the provincial governments has substantially increased and more than doubled in the last few years.”

He termed the summit ‘a timely initiative’ and said despite challenges, the malaria control interventions in Pakistan were aligned with WHO Global Technical Strategy (GTS 2016-2030), adding that universal health coverage and malaria diagnostic and treatment services were expanded to rural and far flung areas to cater to the needs of general population and marginalised communities.

He said expansion in diagnostic coverage was mainly being done through the provision of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits. Private sector was also being engaged for free of charge malaria case management interventions, he added.

The prime minister said the reduction of malaria incidence was mainly attributed to the high impact interventions such as the use of Artemisinin based Combination Therapy and Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). Plasmodium Vivax has proportionately increased to 85 percent, he added.

The prime minister said since 2013, around 12 million free of charge LLINs had been distributed in highest endemic areas of Pakistan.

The prime minister said that Pakistan had established a cross border malaria network with Iran and Afghanistan to effectively coordinate malaria control efforts in the bordering areas of the three countries.

“In addition, we have joined hands with Asia-Pacific countries through Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) to re-affirm our commitment of malaria elimination from the region. Let me assure you that we will further enhance our efforts for complete elimination of Malaria both through increased resource allocation, in spite of many competing demands, and better coordination and management,” he maintained.

The premier appreciated the cooperation of WHO and Malinda and Gates Foundation, looking forward to deepening and enhancing its engagement to augment the existing capacity.

LONDON ARRIVAL:

Earlier, PM Abbasi arrived in London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

At the airport, the prime minister was received by senior officials of the Britain government and Pakistan High Commissioner to United Kingdom Syed Ibne Abbas.

The CHOGM-2018 will provide an opportunity to highlight the progress made by Pakistan, including its transition to a modern and dynamic emerging market.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will participate in executive and retreat sessions as well as a number of events being held on the sidelines of the CHOGM.

The main theme of the meeting is ‘Towards A Common Future’ and the two-day summit will end on April 20.

The prime minister will attend the reception being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. He will call on the prince of Wales and meet with Prime Minister Theresa May among other Commonwealth leaders. PM Abbasi will actively participate in the executive and retreat sessions apart from a number of events on the sidelines.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan is one of the members of the foundation. The current membership of the Commonwealth consists of 53 member states reflecting diversity of all continents of the world.

Commonwealth provides a market of over 2.2 billion people, spread across all six continents, covering nearly a quarter of the world’s land mass and a combined of $9.8 trillion.