A ‘second disaster’

The recent floods that have ravaged Pakistan can trigger long-term crisis of severe nature. In this regard, WHO has sounded the alarm over an impending ‘second disaster’ of disease and death that can befall affected communities in Sindh who lack healthcare facilities to cope with the threat. The WHO chief has explained that only by equipping and protecting health systems can we manage to reduce the impact of a major health threat, as stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for insects, especially mosquitoes.

The spreading of water-borne disaster is also a huge concern as many localities do not have access to clean drinking water and are forced to resort to contaminated, toxic water that hold a plethora of viruses and bacteria. The country has already witnessed a surge in dengue and malaria cases, leading to many deaths. Those that are affected cannot receive instant medical attention as health centres and hospitals have been flooded and supplies damaged. However, many health professionals with the help of NGOs have been successfully setting up medical camps and have accumulatively treated over 25 million people across Sindh. WHO has also been quick to provide water purification kits and other medical necessities to combat the deteriorating healthcare situation, along with the release of a $10 million Contingency Fund for Emergencies, but much is still to be done.

Apart from providing continuous relief to flood-affected communities, the government must actively seek out measures to drain water from open fields. This water can be purified and stored for irrigational or domestic use and help deal with water shortages in the future. It is also the responsibility of the Sindh government and big pharma companies to collaborate together in providing necessary medications to flood victims. Officials must also discourage and act against hoarding and profiteering.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2022.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.