Epidemiological Patients of Malaria Infection in District Malakand: A Study of Plasmodium Vivax and Plasmodium Falciparum

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Pakistan, particularly in regions with favorable climatic and ecological conditions for transmission. District Malakand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experiences recurrent malaria episodes due to the presence of stagnant water, hilly terrain, and post-monsoon climatic patterns that facilitate mosquito breeding. The present study aimed to analyze malaria cases across different demographic and parasitological variables, including age, sex, parasite stage, and area-wise distribution, to identify high-risk groups and spatial hotspots of transmission. A cross-sectional study design was applied utilizing microscopy-confirmed malaria data collected from multiple healthcare facilities in District Malakand between June and October 2023. Peripheral blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa using standard protocols, and parasite stages were identified by trained microscopists. Data were categorized by age, sex, parasite stage, and area of residence, and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics and graphical visualization. A total concentration of malaria cases was observed in Battkhela and Totakan, indicating localized hotspots. The trophozoite stage was predominant, followed by mixed combinations, whereas schizont stages were less common. Males accounted for 59.7% of cases and females for 40.3%, reflecting greater male exposure. The highest number of infections occurred among the 16-30 age group, followed by children and adolescents, while older adults exhibited comparatively fewer cases. Temporal trends revealed seasonal peaks during mid-year months, corresponding with monsoon-related vector amplification. These findings highlight ongoing malaria transmission in District Malakand with considerable spatial and demographic variation. Targeted interventions, early diagnosis, and strengthened vector control strategies are necessary to reduce disease burden.