Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a more than 100% increase in several infectious diseases in 2024, with diphtheria, dengue, measles, and malaria cases increasing significantly compared to the previous year.

According to a report by the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (IDSRS), the province experienced a multifold surge in disease cases, attributed partly to climate change and vaccine shortages.

Diphtheria saw the highest percentage increase, with a 182% rise in cases. While 337 cases were reported in 2023, the number surged to 952 in 2024. Health authorities are raising alarms over the need for better immunization coverage and awareness campaigns to curb this life-threatening disease.

Dengue fever also recorded a staggering 176% increase in 2024. The province documented 5,477 cases compared to 1,980 in 2023. Experts have linked the rise to changing climatic conditions, which have provided favourable breeding environments for mosquitoes.

Measles cases rose by 43%, from 10,000 in 2023 to 15,621 in 2024. Similarly, malaria cases showed a 13% increase, climbing from 239,902 cases in 2023 to 271,344 in 2024.

Decline in typhoid and pneumonia cases

While several diseases surged, typhoid and pneumonia cases showed a notable decline. Typhoid cases dropped by 32%, and pneumonia cases decreased by 21%.

Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali attributed the spike in dengue and malaria cases to climate change, which intensified disease transmission by altering the lifecycle of disease vectors. He acknowledged a vaccine shortage earlier in the year, which affected immunization efforts. However, he assured that the supply chain was restored mid-year, aiding in disease control efforts.