The launch of the Thatta Malaria Elimination Plan, a pointed a public health initiative aimed at eradicating malaria in the Thatta district of Sindh, Pakistan. The plan incorporates strategic interventions including enhanced vector control measures, rapid diagnostic testing, community-based surveillance, and improved access to antimalarial treatment. Key shareholders, Health department Government of Sindh, Director of Malaria control (Federal & Islamabad), VBD partners, Aga Khan University, and international partners (Glide and Zynesis), join forces to implement evidence-based strategies tailor-made to the region's epidemiologic profile. This report edges the plan's expansion, implementation framework, and initial impact, offering a model for malaria elimination in other endemic regions.

On April 25, 2025, Aga Khan University officially launched a major public health proposal planned to eliminate malaria from thatta, one of Sindh’s high-burden districts. The event marked a substantial moment in the region’s fight against zero malaria, bringing together key shareholders from governmental bodies, vector control programs from both provisional and federal, and academic institutions to inaugurate and support the campaign. (Fig.1)

Fig 1. Group photo from the launch of the Thatta Malaria Elimination Plan at Aga Khan University, on April 25, 2025.

Objectives:

The key objectives of the event and program included:

• Officially launching a structured and evidence-based plan to eliminate malaria from Thatta.

• Raising awareness among stakeholders and the public about the burden of malaria and the steps needed to combat it.

• Engaging public health institutions, community leaders, and academic partners for coordinated action.

• Promoting sustainable interventions and research-based surveillance tools.

Attendees:

The event was attended by a wide range of participants, including:

• Representatives from the Sindh and Federal Health Department.

• Public health experts and researchers from Aga Khan University.

• Delegates from GLIDE via online.

• District health officers, laboratory personnel, and field staff from the site thatta

Fig 2. Unveiling of the Thatta Malaria Elimination Plan during the inaugural event at Aga Khan University on April 25, 2025