Household Survey Exposes Rapid Spread of Hepatitis, Malaria, Dengue, and TB Nationwide

Pakistan Faces a Growing Public Health Emergency

Pakistan is facing a deepening and dangerous public health crisis, as a latest government household survey reveals that thousands of lives are being lost every year to preventable infectious diseases.

The Household Economic Survey paints a grim picture, showing a sharp rise in hepatitis, malaria, dengue, and tuberculosis (TB) across the country. Health experts warn that the unchecked spread of these diseases is placing enormous pressure on an already strained healthcare system.

Key drivers behind the surge include unsafe medical injections, stagnant water, poor sanitation, and weak disease-control mechanisms, the survey found.

Hepatitis B Infections Surge, KP Worst Affected

The survey revealed that 463 people per 100,000 population were diagnosed with hepatitis B during 2024–25, highlighting a serious nationwide outbreak.

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest rate, with 671 cases per 100,000 people
• Balochistan reported 272 cases per 100,000
• Rural areas were more affected, registering 501 cases per 100,000, compared to 402 cases in urban regions

Health officials warn that unsafe injections and poor sterilization practices are major contributors to the rapid spread.

Hepatitis C Hits Punjab Hardest

Hepatitis C emerged as one of the most widespread infectious diseases, with 599 cases per 100,000 population nationwide.

• Punjab topped the list with 778 cases per 100,000
• Rural communities remained most vulnerable, reporting 684 cases per 100,000
• Urban areas recorded 464 cases per 100,000

Experts stress that lack of early screening and delayed treatment are worsening outcomes for thousands of patients.

Malaria Continues to Threaten Rural Communities

Malaria remains a persistent and deadly threat, especially in underdeveloped regions.

• National malaria rate stood at 43 patients per 1,000 people
• Sindh reported the highest prevalence, with 118 cases per 1,000
• Punjab recorded the lowest rate at 12 per 1,000
• Rural areas saw higher infection levels than cities

Stagnant water, poor drainage, and weak mosquito-control programs continue to fuel the disease.

Dengue Cases Spike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

While dengue infections appeared lower nationally, certain regions saw dangerous spikes.

• National dengue rate: 2 cases per 1,000 population
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest rate, with 5 cases per 1,000
• Urban areas were more affected than rural ones

Health authorities warn that urban overcrowding and water storage practices are accelerating dengue transmission.

Tuberculosis Remains a Silent Killer

Tuberculosis continues to affect thousands of households, with three out of every 1,000 Pakistanis suffering from TB.

• Sindh and KP recorded the highest burden, at four cases per 1,000 households
• Balochistan reported the lowest rate, with one case per 1,000
• TB was found to be more prevalent in rural areas

Delayed diagnosis and limited access to treatment remain key challenges.

Experts Warn of Dire Consequences Without Immediate Action

The survey strongly emphasizes the urgent need for nationwide vaccination drives, mass screening programs, improved sanitation, mosquito-control measures, and public awareness campaigns.

Health experts caution that without swift and coordinated intervention, infectious diseases will continue to claim thousands of lives annually, further destabilizing Pakistan’s healthcare system.