Warning of major disease outbreaks in massive floods hit Pakistan

Last updated on September 6th, 2022 at 11:39 am

Health officials have warned of massive outbreaks of diseases in Pakistan after catastrophic flooding has displaced millions of people, submerging over a third of the country in water. There has been a surge in cases of diarrhoea and malaria reported after months of heavy rainy season, described as “monsoon on steroid” by United Nations, left scores of people stranded, displaced and without access to clean water.

Authorities have expressed serious concerns over say possible spread of waterborne diseases after the floods, that claimed lives of at least 1,200 people. This situation will further add pressure on already strained health infrastructure in the Asian country. According to World Health Organization, more than 880 clinics have been damaged in the heavy rains and floods. The UN agency has allocated $10m (£8.6m) to emergency health relief efforts towards flood victims in Pakistan.

The floods have been classified as highest levels of emergency by WHO, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the agency on Wednesday. He said the “threat of waterborne diseases meant access to health services and disease monitoring and controls were a key priority”.

Keep Reading

Arif Jabbar Khan, director of WaterAid Pakistan, has visited the worst hit Sindh province, where the catastrophic rains began in June. He has noted high risk of diarrhoea and dysentery in the province because of the lack of clean water access. “Families are now living on the banks of overflowed canals and rivers in ramshackle huts made of bamboo and plastic. They have even been drinking flood water because there is no other option – a recipe for large-scale disease outbreaks. We are doing all we can to reach them,” said Khan.

Also Read: Pakistani People Thanks The UAE President For Helping Those Affected By Floods

The floods have contaminated water resources and made the public convenience places inaccessible, risking 33 million to contract water borne and communicable diseases. The UN and Pakistan have urged for global aid of $160 million to provide emergency support to affected 5 million people, the support including food, water, sanitation and shelter.

Admin

Recent Posts

Gaetz for Attorney General? McCarthy’s Skepticism Hints at Tough Road Ahead

Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) expressed doubts about the confirmation chances of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.)… Read More

November 14, 2024

Mercosur and UAE Move Closer to Landmark Free Trade Agreement

Negotiation of the trade agreement with Mercosur and increasing interest in Middle Eastern market advances with the potential to drive… Read More

November 14, 2024

Top Grossing Local Film: “Hello, Love, Again” Earns ₱85M on First Day

"Hello, Love, Again," the movie starring Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards earned over ₱85 million on its first… Read More

November 14, 2024

Ex-Captain Rashid Latif Advocates Pakistan’s Cricket Independence from India

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has voiced strong opinions about cricket match between India and Pakistan. He said that Pakistan… Read More

November 13, 2024

Slow Progress on Colombia’s Land Reform Efforts Stalls Hopes for Peace and Stability

President Gustavo Petro’s goal of redistributing land in Colombia—an issue central to the 2016 peace agreement between the government and… Read More

November 13, 2024

Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Nominated to Lead Pentagon Under Trump Administration

In a rather surprising decision, Donald Trump suggested Pete Hegseth, a news anchor at Fox News, become the Secretary of… Read More

November 13, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More