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Transcript/ScriptPAKISTAN MALARIA ISLAM
HEADLINE: Pakistan's Malaria Surge Linked to Climate Change
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: (4/24/24 & 9:11p)
BYLINE: Nazr Ul Islam
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Islamabad, Pakistan
VIDEOGRAPHER: Nazr Ul Islam
VIDEO EDITOR: Nazr Ul Islam
SCRIPT EDITORS: KEnochs, sb
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA Original | Urdu Service
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:36
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE:
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
[[April 25 marks the global observance of World Malaria Day. Pakistan saw the world’s
largest increase in malaria cases in 2022 following that year’s catastrophic flooding,
according to the latest World Health Organization data. Experts say climate change was
a factor. VOA's Nazr Ul Islam's visited a hospital in Islamabad and filed this report
narrated by Bezhan Hamdard.]]
((NARRATOR))
Local resident Yasir Mehmood has been treated for malaria at Capital Hospital
Islamabad for the past week. He says he went to the hospital when his symptoms got
worse.
((Yasir Mehmood, Malaria Patient)) ((Male in Urdu))
“The body is too weak. When I cough, my entire body hurts. I can’t walk much. I also
can’t talk a lot as the pain worsens and my throats hurts.”
((NARRATOR))
Pakistan ranks among the Eastern Mediterranean countries with the most malaria
cases. Typical symptoms include high fever and body pains.
((Dr. Naila Tabassum, Capital Hospital Islamabad)) ((Female in Urdu))
“Malaria affects people of all ages. It affects children, adults, but for middle-aged
people, it can be dangerous because for most of them, it can affect their brains. This is
also called cerebral malaria.”
((NARRATOR))
Infections with the mosquito-borne disease rise when the insects have the easiest time
finding breeding grounds.
((Dr. Farhan Ali, Capital Hospital Islamabad Spokesperson)) ((Male in Urdu))
“As soon as the monsoon season starts, especially in May when it's raining, water
collects in different places. This leads to a rise in malaria cases because malaria is a
transmitted disease, transmitted by mosquitoes. So, wherever there is stagnant water,
like in dirty areas, behind refrigerators, behind tires, all these things contribute to the
spread of this disease.”
((NARRATION))
Stagnant water was a major problem following catastrophic floods in 2022. Experts say
climate change likely made those floods worse.
The resulting malaria outbreak was the worst in Pakistan since 1973, according to the
World Health Organization. About 2.6 million people got malaria in 2022, compared to
half a million the year before.
((Dr. Allan Schapira, WHO Malaria Consultant)) ((Male in English)) ((Skype))
The number of cases which had been seen in previous years had increased by at least
100%. There were areas which had not been affected, which became affected,
particularly in Balochistan and Sindh.
((NARRATOR))
Yasir Mahmood is concerned about his three children’s health as well. He says they live
in an area near a stream that attracts mosquitos.
The local municipal committee says it is doing what it can and says they will conduct
widespread mosquito repellent spraying this year, just as they have done in previous
years.
((For Nazr Ul Islam in Islamabad, Pakistan – Bezhan Hamdard – VOANEWS))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateApril 25, 2024 15:22 EDT
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, Radio Evropa e Lirë
