1290 Dead, Thousands Affected by Malaria, Other Diseases in Pakistan

Over 1290 lives lost and 12,500 people injured. Over 33 million affected, including over 6.4 million in dire need of humanitarian aid. Almost 634,000 displaced people living in camps, a report released by World Health Organisation (WHO) stated.

Over 1460 health facilities affected, of which 432 are fully damaged and 1028 are partially damaged. Access to health care facilities, health care workers and essential medicines and medical supplies is limited.

Ongoing outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea, typhoid, measles, leishmaniasis and polio are at risk of being further exacerbated, the WHO report added. Increased transmission of malaria remains a threat and many cases are already presenting to clinics in the flood-affected areas.

Early disease surveillance indicates that tens of thousands have been identified as patients affected by diarrhoea, malaria, acute respiratory infections, skin and eye infections, typhoid and others.

Major Health Risks Unfolding Amid Floods in Pakistan

Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean said: "We are following closely and with deep concern the humanitarian crisis currently facing the people of Pakistan as a result of devastating monsoon floods.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Pakistan, especially in the directly affected communities and including our own WHO staff and national partners who continue to work tirelessly to respond to the massive health needs, even while being personally impacted by this disaster.

"The current scale of damage and destruction due to the floods is like none seen before in Pakistan – a result of long-term global climate change leading to more severe weather conditions."

With almost 10% of the country’s health facilities damaged, WHO has stepped in to support the ongoing efforts of the Government and Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination to ensure that the affected people have access to the essential health services.

"As Pakistan faces one of the worst natural disasters in recent history, I urge the international community – and especially the Member States of WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region – to demonstrate the solidarity and action that are embodied in our regional vision of “health for all by all," Dr Al-Mandhari said.

Despite limited resources, Pakistan has been one of the first countries to offer support when other countries in the Region have faced their own humanitarian emergencies, including their generous hosting of currently 1.3 million refugees.

"It is now our responsibility to come together and help the people of Pakistan, at a time when they need our support the most," he added.

Read More: WHO Releases Situation Report on Flooding in Pakistan