The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has donated $1 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support flood relief efforts in Pakistan. The funding will help WHO teams assist federal and provincial authorities in providing medical supplies, health services, and disease response in flood-affected areas.
WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, visited health facilities in Swabi District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the importance of rapid response and preparedness amid severe monsoon floods. The funds will focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children under five, the elderly, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities.
Read more: Pakistan Fails to Utilise $11B Foreign Aid Amid Floods
The donation will help meet the health needs of over 465,000 people across 33 high-risk districts in K-P, Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. WHO aims to ensure continuity of life-saving services, enhance disease surveillance, and improve access to essential medical supplies.
Since August 15, floods have claimed at least 450 lives and injured 265 people in K-P, affecting over 860,000 individuals. WHO teams continue working with authorities to deliver medical support and coordinate relief efforts.
The initiative, planned over the next six months, will also strengthen health sector coordination and provide vital information to communities through risk communication and community engagement (RCCE).
Read more: Punjab Floods: Army Rushed to Save Thousands
Earlier, the United Nations released $600,000 to support relief efforts for flash flood victims, with Pakistani authorities leading the emergency response alongside UN and local partners.
