ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In a crucial boost to Pakistan’s ongoing flood relief operations, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $1 million to support the World Health Organization (WHO) in its mission to deliver urgent health services to flood-affected regions.
The support, aimed at providing immediate relief and long-term resilience, will benefit nearly 465,000 people across 33 high-risk districts of Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan. Over the next six months, WHO, in partnership with local authorities, will focus on disease surveillance, outbreak response, supply of essential medicines, and coordinated health services, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities receive timely and effective assistance.
Special attention will be given to pregnant women, children under five, elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced families, who are at heightened risk of health emergencies during and after the flooding. The initiative will also enhance risk communication and community engagement to ensure vital health information reaches remote and underserved areas.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, said, “This generous and timely support will strengthen our ability to save lives and protect communities. Rapid response is key as climate-driven monsoon extremes pose ongoing threats to public health.” He emphasized that the partnership also reflects a commitment to building stronger, more resilient health systems to withstand future disasters.
Pakistan has been grappling with the severe aftereffects of prolonged monsoon rains, with flash floods and overflowing rivers displacing thousands, damaging infrastructure, and overwhelming local healthcare systems. This new funding is expected to bridge critical gaps as recovery and rehabilitation efforts continue.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.