The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has promised a generous donation of 1 million US dollars to support the World Health Organization (WHO) in its efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s response to monsoon floods.
“We are particularly grateful to the Gates Foundation for this generous and appropriate support for teams in the field, helping the federal and provincial authorities to meet health needs, to provide medical supplies and to save lives,” said Pakistan representative, Dr. Dapeng Luo during a visit to health facilities in areas affected by floods in the swabi district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Funding will help meet the health needs of more than 465,000 people most affected by floods in 33 high -risk districts of KP, Sindh, Punjab and Baloutch. The initiative aims to ensure the continuity of vital health services by improving the surveillance of diseases, the response to the epidemic and the availability of essential medical supplies in the areas affected by floods.
“With the climate crisis that feeds monsoons and increasingly severe natural disasters, a quick response and good preparation are essential to preserve public health,” said Dr. Dapeng Luo. He added that who stands with Pakistan to save lives today and build stronger and more resilient health systems for tomorrow, protecting future generations.
Funds will focus particularly on the protection of vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under the age of five, the elderly, disabled people, internal people (PDI) and those who live in host communities.
Since August 15, devastating floods have made at least 450 lives and injured 265 people in KP only, affecting more than 860,000 people. WHO teams continue to help federal and provincial authorities provide medical support and respond to the crisis.
The initiative, which should be implemented over the next six months, will also strengthen the coordination of the health sector and provide vital information to communities through risk communication efforts and community engagement (RCCE).
Earlier, the United Nations released $ 600,000 to support rescue efforts for sudden flood victims caused by incessant monsoon rains in Pakistan. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York that the Pakistani authorities, supported by the UN and local partners, lead the emergency response. A United Nations team will carry out a damage assessment survey on Wednesday.
