In a significant stride toward international collaboration in global health, a high-level Pakistani delegation led by state Minister for Health, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad bharath engaged with Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and other international stakeholders during the 9th Asia Pacific Leaders’ Summit on Malaria Elimination held in Bali, Indonesia.
The discussions centered on shared commitments to accelerate malaria elimination, the establishment of a vaccine manufacturing facility in Pakistan, and the transfer of critical vaccine technology. Minister Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik underscored the need for a robust, multi-dimensional partnership with Indonesia and other global partners to intensify efforts against malaria in the region.
During a pivotal meeting with Dr. Sarthak Das, Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), Pakistani officials reaffirmed their national commitment to eradicating malaria. Minister mukhtar Bharath highlighted that although Pakistan ranks among the ten countries most vulnerable to climate-induced extreme weather events, it contributes less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions. He noted a commendable 40% reduction in malaria cases between 2015 and 2020, as reported in the WHO World Malaria Report 2020.
However, he acknowledged the severe setback caused by the 2022 climate-induced floods, which led to a 190% increase in rainfall—particularly in Sindh and Balochistan—and a subsequent surge in malaria cases to 3.1 million in 2022, up from 375,000 in 2021. This represents the most significant malaria resurgence in Pakistan in five decades.
Minister Malik detailed Pakistan's strategic initiatives for malaria elimination, including the development of the Long-Term Malaria Elimination Strategy (2021–2035), which aligns with the WHO Global Technical Strategy (2016–2030), and the launch of a dedicated Vivax Malaria Elimination Roadmap (2021). He also proposed hosting the 10th Asia Pacific Leaders’ Summit on Malaria Elimination in 2026 in Pakistan. The APLMA CEO welcomed the proposal, recognizing its potential to enhance regional momentum. Further discussions will finalize the arrangements in the coming months.
The Health Minister also announced plans to convene a National Summit for Malaria Elimination in Pakistan in late 2025 or early 2026.
He highlighted key achievements, including the completion of the G6PD pilot project in nine districts with support from Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), and emphasized the need to introduce tafenoquine as a radical cure for vivax malaria in Pakistan—a significant breakthrough in the country’s elimination efforts.
Dr. Das commended Dr. Malik’s leadership and reiterated APLMA’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s national and regional malaria elimination goals through a collaborative, partnership-driven approach.
In bilateral discussions with Indonesia’s Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Dr. Malik expressed deep appreciation for Indonesia’s time-bound, results-oriented malaria elimination strategy. He emphasized the profound impact of climate change on Pakistan’s health system and economy, and expressed interest in learning from Indonesia’s success in malaria control and elimination.
Further, Dr. Malik stressed the urgent need for establishing a vaccine manufacturing facility in Pakistan, benefiting from Indonesia’s technical expertise and experience. Minister Sadikin responded affirmatively, affirming Indonesia’s strong support for the initiative. He stated:
“Indonesia is committed to global health equity and recognizes the immense value in sharing technology and resources with Pakistan. Together, we can set a powerful precedent for South-South cooperation in healthcare.”
Both ministers agreed that the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan would formally submit a request for Indonesian support in establishing a state-of-the-art vaccine production facility. This initiative aims to promote regional vaccine self-sufficiency and affordability, marking a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s journey toward controlling infectious diseases through international cooperation and capacity-building.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
Technology and Knowledge Transfer – Joint initiatives in research, training, and technical expertise exchange
Vaccine Manufacturing – Development of local vaccine production infrastructure in Pakistan
Climate-Responsive Health Strategies – Shared approaches to mitigating the health impacts of climate change
Regional Summits and Advocacy – Leveraging platforms like APLMA to foster collective action
