Islamabad: The Gates Foundation has announced a $1 million grant to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support Pakistan’s response to the devastating monsoon floods, helping meet the health needs of more than 465,000 vulnerable people across 33 high-risk districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.
Officials said the support will enable federal and provincial authorities to ensure the continuity of life-saving services by strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak response, the supply of essential medicines, and risk communication with affected communities. The initiative, to be rolled out over the next six months, will pay special attention to pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
The announcement comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with a worsening health crisis triggered by climate-driven floods and cloudbursts. Since late June, more than 802 people have died and over 1,000 have been injured, while nearly 90 health facilities, thousands of houses and vital infrastructure have been damaged nationwide. Authorities fear that stagnant water and mass displacement are fuelling outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, putting immense pressure on an already fragile health system.
“We are particularly thankful to the Gates Foundation for this generous and timely support to WHO teams in the field supporting federal and provincial authorities to meet health needs, deliver medical supplies and save lives. As the climate crisis fuels ever more extreme monsoons and natural disasters, evidence shows that a rapid response and good preparedness are essential to preserve public health. WHO stands with Pakistan to save lives today and build stronger, more resilient health systems for tomorrow, protecting the future generations,” said Dr Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, during a visit to flood-affected Swabi District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, flash floods and heavy rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone have killed at least 450 people, injured 265 and affected over 860,000, with 57 health facilities, 4,243 houses and 60 schools damaged. Nationally, the NDMA reports extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges and livestock, while more than 122,000 people have been rescued in 832 operations. Nearly 30,000 displaced people are living in relief camps.
WHO teams have been working alongside authorities to provide emergency assistance, convene health partners and distribute medical supplies. One day after the floods hit KP, WHO dispatched medicines to treat 15,000 patients, and since June, it has provided stocks to assist nearly 380,000 flood-affected people across Pakistan. Under the Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025, WHO and partners have also prepared to provide emergency health services to up to 1.3 million people in 33 priority districts if the situation deteriorates.
Health officials said the Gates Foundation’s $1 million support will not only help Pakistan respond to immediate needs but also strengthen preparedness for future climate-linked health emergencies. With rains still predicted and the risk of outbreaks rising, they warned that sustained action is vital to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
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