Horrific floods have created a humanitarian emergency in Pakistan leaving millions of people displaced and stranded without proper food or shelter. The disaster is on such a massive scale that the international community has responded, with many countries promising to send funds. As relief packages get doled out to the affected, it is becoming evident that vulnerable groups such as women, children and senior citizens are in dire need of specific care.
According to the UN Population Fund, around 650,000 pregnant women in flood-affected areas — of whom 73,000 are expected to deliver next month — are in dire need of maternal health service. The agency has also warned that many women and children are at high risk of gender-based violence due to the chaotic situation. The situation has been made much worse after 1,000 health facilities in Sindh were destroyed, and damage to transport infrastructure means healthcare facilities including medical equipment and trained professionals are inaccessible. It is humbling to see UNFPA tirelessly working for the ignored and vulnerable, and have procured 8,311 dignity kits, 7,411 newborn baby kits, and 6,412 clean delivery kits for immediate delivery across all four provinces. Moreover, with common citizens sending truckloads of food items, they must also be made aware of sanitary equipment required for such vulnerable people, which include sanitary pads, diapers, Cerelac, pieces of cloth, medication, etc. Moreover, emergency medical choppers should be acquired from neighbouring countries and on-duty doctors along with nurses be made to visit affected areas to set up medical camps and provide treatment.
At times of crisis, no one should be left behind and it is easy to overlook the needs of different groups of people. The government must be aware of this and also provide specialised relief instead of throwing relief packages from choppers.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2022.
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