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Malaria in Afghan refugees in Pakistan
1Zoology Department, University of Peshawar, Pakistan.
Summary
Afghan refugees in Pakistan have higher malaria rates due to increased susceptibility, not imported infections. This finding emphasizes the need for preventive malaria control strategies in refugee camps.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Malaria prevalence is higher among Afghan refugees in Pakistan compared to the local population.
- Malaria control officials hypothesized refugees imported infections, hindering control programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that Afghan refugees imported malaria infections into Pakistan.
- To inform appropriate malaria control strategies for refugee populations.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of age-specific malaria parasite rates in refugees and local populations in Karachi.
- Analysis of epidemiological trends of malaria in refugees and locals in North-West Frontier Province (1979-1986).
Main Results:
- Afghan refugees showed malaria susceptibility across all age groups, unlike the local population limited to younger ages.
- Malaria prevalence increased significantly faster in Afghan refugees, indicating lower herd immunity.
- Evidence refutes the imported infection hypothesis.
Conclusions:
- Afghan refugees are more susceptible to malaria in Pakistan, facing a higher risk of infection.
- Preventive measures, not solely curative ones, are crucial for malaria control in Afghan refugee camps.