ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory on the prevention and control of monsoon-related diseases.

The monsoon season in Pakistan is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to a wide range of communicable and vector-borne diseases.

Heavy rainfall, flooding, waterlogging, disruption of sanitation systems, contamination of drinking water sources, and increased vector breeding create favourable conditions for outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis A and E, and other infectious diseases.

According to advisory, population displacement, overcrowding in temporary shelters, poor access to safe water and healthcare services, and interruption of routine public health activities further increase the risk of disease transmission. “Timely preparedness, enhanced surveillance, early detection, and prompt response measures are essential to minimise the public health impact of monsoon-related disease outbreaks,” it stated.

This advisory is intended to guide all provincial and federal health departments, healthcare facilities, district administrations, and relevant stakeholders in strengthening surveillance, preparedness, prevention, and response activities for monsoon-related diseases to reduce morbidity and mortality during the monsoon season.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026