The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged a generous donation of US$1 million to support the World Health Organization (WHO) in its efforts to bolster Pakistan’s response to the ongoing monsoon floods.
“We are particularly thankful to the Gates Foundation for this generous and timely support to WHO teams in the field, assisting federal and provincial authorities to meet health needs, deliver medical supplies, and save lives,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo during a visit to health facilities in flood-affected areas in Swabi District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
The funding will help meet the health needs of over 465,000 people most affected by the floods across 33 high-risk districts in K-P, Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. The initiative aims to ensure the continuity of life-saving health services by enhancing disease surveillance, outbreak response, and the availability of essential medical supplies in flood-hit areas.
“With the climate crisis fuelling increasingly severe monsoons and natural disasters, rapid response and good preparedness are critical for preserving public health,” said Dr Dapeng Luo. He added that WHO stands with Pakistan to save lives today and build stronger, more resilient health systems for tomorrow, protecting future generations.
The funds will particularly focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and those living in host communities.
Since August 15, the devastating floods have claimed at least 450 lives and injured 265 people in K-P alone, affecting over 860,000 individuals. WHO teams continue to assist federal and provincial authorities in delivering medical support and responding to the crisis.
The initiative, set to be implemented over the next six months, will also strengthen health sector coordination and provide vital information to communities through risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) efforts.
A day earlier, United Nations released $600,000 to support relief efforts for victims of flash floods caused by relentless monsoon rains in Pakistan. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York that Pakistani authorities, supported by the UN and local partners, are leading the emergency response. A UN team will carry out a damage assessment survey on Wednesday.
