Pakistan is in the middle of epidemiological transition where about 60% of total disease burden is due to infectious or communicable diseases. Health characteristics of Balochistan are a typical example of the national situation with low life expectancy, widespread communicable diseases, and high child and maternal mortality rate. 

Pakistan grapples with a dual burden of disease, with a higher prevalence among the poor, many of which are controllable through cost-effective interventions like Primary Health Care (PHC) and adherence to best practices at primary and secondary care levels. Communicable diseases, maternal health issues, and under-nutrition collectively account for about half of the disease burden. In young children, diarrheal diseases and respiratory illnesses remain the primary causes

of mortality, while maternal deaths often result from preventable causes such as sepsis, hemorrhage, and hypertensive crises.

Pakistan remains one of the last two countries where polio is still endemic. Additionally, the country faces endemicity of hepatitis B and C, with 7.6% of the population affected, the 5th highest burden of tuberculosis globally, focal geographical areas of malaria endemicity, and established HIV concentrations among high-risk groups. Balochistan experienced a shift from malaria endemicity to epidemic due to heavy rainfall in 2022 and 2023. Other vaccine-preventable diseases and emerging infections necessitate the strengthening of disease surveillance and response systems nationwide.

Pakistan also grapples with high prevalence rates of underweight children, stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and low birth weight babies, contributing to elevated mortality rates among mothers and children. This issue is particularly pronounced in Balochistan, reflecting the national health situation characterized by low life expectancy, widespread communicable diseases, and high child and maternal mortality rates.

The health infrastructure in Balochistan is reasonably developed, but challenges lie in utilization and management. PPHI Balochistan is tasked with effectively managing basic health infrastructure and enhancing its utilization.

PPHI’s annual report for 2023 revealed that 75.18% of the disease burden recorded at Basic Health Units (BHUs) comprised communicable diseases. Respiratory infections (32.20%), diarrheal diseases (18.42%), suspected malaria (15.17%), fever due to other causes (14.66%), urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections (4.27%), and scabies/skin infections (4.59%) were among the major contributors. Childhood vaccine-preventable diseases accounted for 0.2% of the burden, primarily affecting children under five years old. Tuberculosis affected both children and adults.

PPHI-B employs a proactive approach to disease control, treating existing medical conditions while also preempting disease onset through health education provided by social organizers and healthcare providers. Additionally, PPHI offers sustained vaccination services, examining every child visiting a BHU to ensure full immunization against vaccine-preventable illnesses.