Pakistan’s Sindh province faced a devastating health crisis last year, with dengue and malaria claiming 103 lives. Karachi, the nation’s largest city, suffered the most severe impact, as confirmed by recent health ministry statistics.

The dual outbreak peaked amid heavy rains, turning streets and drains into mosquito havens. Over 15,000 combined cases overwhelmed healthcare facilities, particularly in urban slums where access to clean water and nets is limited. Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho acknowledged the scale, attributing it to delayed response measures.

In Karachi, fatalities were concentrated in low-income neighborhoods like Korangi and Malir. Doctors reported a spike in severe dengue cases requiring ICU care, with children and the elderly most vulnerable. Malaria, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, compounded the burden in rural pockets of the province.

Critics slam the government for reactive policies rather than proactive prevention. Last year’s fumigation efforts covered only 60% of targeted areas, leaving gaps exploited by disease vectors. Public health advocates call for mandatory mosquito net distribution and better drainage systems.

Moving forward, Sindh plans a Rs. 500 crore anti-vector drive, including drone-based spraying in hard-to-reach zones. Yet, with climate patterns shifting, experts urge a national strategy to safeguard millions from recurring epidemics.