Public Health Risks Rising in Flood-Ravaged Pakistan, Warns WHO

Although flood waters have receded in many flood-affected areas across Pakistan in recent weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday that approximately 8 million people require critical health care. According to the UN health agency, public health risks are increasing as a result of damaged infrastructure, stagnant water, and inadequate sanitation facilities.

Aside from the health risks posed by flooding, the agriculture sector has also suffered. Waterlogging caused by a long-lasting flood has a negative impact on crop production, primarily by restricting gaseous exchange in the soil. It had a significant impact on crop yields and food availability at the local, regional, and national levels.

The disaster has pushed the country to the brink and diseases are rampant. "Over 540,000 cases of malaria have been reported. Other health risks include an increase in diarrheal diseases, a dengue fever outbreak, measles, and diphtheria," according to Dr. Richard Brennan, WHO Regional Emergency Director.

He went on to say that a food crisis is on the horizon, the economy is deteriorating, and winter is quickly approaching. The eight million flood-affected people who require medical assistance require basic medical supplies as well as access to basic healthcare.

According to Dr. Brennan, humanitarian organisations face an uphill battle. "Extremely large volumes of persistent flood waters, in particular, have provided mosquito breeding grounds, resulting in an ongoing malaria outbreak in 32 districts."

"Over 540,000 malaria cases have been reported from July to early October 2022." Other health risks include an increase in diarrheal diseases, a dengue fever outbreak, measles, and diphtheria. High rates of severe acute malnutrition, he said, were among the most serious concerns.

"Access to safe water and sanitation remains limited, with people drinking contaminated water in their homes." Pregnant women require safe and clean delivery services." WHO expressed concern that, in the face of competing demands, the international response has failed to meet the immediate needs of flood-affected communities.

More than $81.5 million is required to respond to the health crisis in flood-affected areas of Pakistan in order to ensure coordinated delivery of essential healthcare services, effective management of severe acute malnutrition, and improved outbreak detection and control.

With the available funds, WHO stated that it is acting quickly to protect health and provide essential services, particularly to those displaced by the floods, through static and mobile health camps. To date, $1.5 million in medicines and emergency supplies have been distributed, with an additional $6 million in supplies on the way.

Efforts to prevent and control disease outbreaks have been increased, including increased surveillance, vaccination campaigns against measles and cholera, early malaria diagnosis and treatment, and access to clean water. In addition, 10 EOCs and three operational hubs have been established in the districts of Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Naseerabad.