**Pakistan Pioneers G6PD Malaria Testing, Lays Groundwork for Advanced Treatment Nationwide**
Pakistan has successfully completed its first pilot project for G6PD testing in malaria-affected regions, heralding a breakthrough in national malaria control efforts and setting a precedent for global adoption. The initiative, conducted across nine districts and in partnership with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), paves the way for the integration of advanced testing and treatment protocols into the country’s primary healthcare system.
The results of the pilot were unveiled at a high-profile event attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Global Fund, and MMV. National Malaria Control Programme Director Dr. Mukhtar highlighted the pilot’s emphasis on the practical implementation of G6PD testing—an essential step for the safe use of the newly approved antimalarial drug, Tafenoquine.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, Minister of State for Health, lauded the project’s achievements. He emphasized that the pilot clearly demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating G6PD testing into primary healthcare, a development made even more urgent by the sharp rise in malaria cases following the catastrophic 2022 floods, which resulted in over 2.8 million infections across the country.
The new antimalarial medication, Tafenoquine, recently sanctioned by WHO and registered by Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority, offers significant advantages over existing treatments. Unlike the traditional 14-day primaquine regimen, which many patients failed to complete—compromising both recovery and disease containment—Tafenoquine presents a more convenient option that is expected to improve treatment compliance and health outcomes.
Dr. Bharath described Tafenoquine as a “breakthrough drug” capable of transforming malaria elimination strategies. He noted that Pakistan joins a select group of countries adopting this innovative treatment and affirmed that the national malaria roadmap would be adjusted to facilitate its widespread rollout.
The success of the G6PD testing pilot has earned both national and international acclaim. Building on this achievement, Pakistan will host the International Conference on Malaria Elimination in 2026, inviting researchers, health professionals, and policymakers from around the globe to share knowledge and strategies. This move underscores Pakistan’s commitment to achieving global standards in malaria control and advancing towards elimination.
