ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s state media on Wednesday announced a fresh initiative by the Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization (WHO), saying it would strengthen Islamabad’s response to the ongoing monsoon floods and help support 465,000 people.
As per a report in the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), a $1 million donation from the Gates Foundation will support the WHO’s partnership with Pakistan in 33 high-risk, flood-affected districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan provinces.
Torrential rains since Jun. 26 have killed over 800 people in Pakistan and injured more than 1,000. Pakistani authorities have ramped up rescue and rehabilitation activities, especially in Punjab, where rising water levels have spiked fears of cataclysmic floods.
“The generous donation from the Gates Foundation – totaling $ 1 million – will serve to support Pakistan’s national and provincial authorities in ensuring the continuity of life-saving health services,” APP reported.
It added that the initiative will strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak response and ensure availability of essential medical supplies in targeted locations, promote health sector coordination, and risk communication.
