Epidemiological Characteristics Of Malaria In Kohat Division And Effect Of Current Eradication Program

Objective: This retrospective study's purpose was to provide insight into the distribution and trend of malaria cases in the Kohat District of KPK, Pakistan, from 2017 to 2021. The analysis of the sociodemographic traits, annual trends, species distribution, and seasonal fluctuations of malaria cases was the main goal of the study. Methodology: The DHQ Divisional Headquarter Hospital in Kohat, which is overseen by the KPK, Peshawar malaria control program, provided the laboratory logbook from which the data was taken. Every suspected case of malaria that provided blood samples for microscopy was recorded in the study's logbook. We retrieved and analyzed data on the participant's demographics, pregnant status, diagnostic month and year, and parasite species found. Results: 10,958 cases of malaria were verified out of 17,832 blood films that were analyzed during the study period. Males (53.2%) and those over the age of five (9,036 cases) accounted for the majority of cases. P. vivax accounted for 88% of the total species, with P. falciparum (10%) and mixed infections (2%), following in order. The majority of those affected were over the age of 15, and males were more likely than females to become infected. Cases of malaria were reported all year round, with summer and fall seeing the greatest transmission. Conclusion: This study offers important new information about the five-year malaria trend in the Kohat District. The results emphasize the necessity of focused measures to alleviate the greater incidence of malaria in boys older than 15 years. The report also emphasizes how crucial monitoring and surveillance systems are to directing evidence-based treatments and maintaining advancements in the fight against malaria. Subsequent investigations ought to concentrate on executing specific measures and assessing their efficacy, and looking into the effects of climate change on regional transmission of malaria as well.