KARACHI: WHO Pakistan capped off project, in support of Japan at WHO Islamabad Office. ‘Rebuilding Together’ initiative revitalised healthcare infrastructure in flood-stricken areas. Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Wada Mitsuhiro and dignitaries joined to celebrate successful completion of project.

Devastating monsoon struck Pakistan between mid-July and mid-August 2022 resulted in unprecedented flooding, impacting millions of lives across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh province. Over 600,000 people were displaced, 1.9 million houses damaged and extensive agricultural losses incurred.  Healthcare infrastructure was severely affected, with over 2,000 health facilities damaged. Financial assistance from government and people of Japan enabled WHO to timely respond to communicable disease outbreaks and enhance access to essential healthcare through revitalization of damaged healthcare facilities. In collaborative effort to strengthen healthcare delivery in Pakistan, WHO has renovated 462 healthcare facilities and provided them with essential equipment and supplies of which 240 have been rehabilitated through Japan’s assistance. These facilities are now managed by government health authorities, ensuring continued service provision.  WHO has invested in capacity building of service providers in various aspects of healthcare delivery including disease surveillance and outbreak response. Dr LuoDapeng WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Pakistan acknowledged remarkable support by government and people of Japan. He said, “Japanese contribution has been instrumental in restoring access to essential healthcare for vulnerable communities affected by the floods.   

 This collaborative effort exemplifies importance of international partnerships in building resilient healthcare systems.”