ISLAMABAD: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged a donation of $1 million to assist Pakistan in tackling the devastating impact of ongoing monsoon floods. The contribution will be channelled through the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure critical healthcare services reach vulnerable communities in flood-affected regions.
According to WHO, the funding will strengthen its partnership with Pakistan in 33 high-risk districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. The initiative aims to safeguard the health needs of more than 465,000 people who remain at risk due to widespread flooding.
Officials said the support will enable national and provincial authorities to maintain the continuity of life-saving medical services, including emergency treatment, maternal and child healthcare, and disease prevention measures in areas where infrastructure and health facilities have been severely disrupted.
The donation comes at a critical time, as health experts warn of increased outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases such as cholera, dengue, and malaria following the heavy rains.
The Gates Foundation, which has long partnered with Pakistan on health and development programmes, reaffirmed its commitment to helping the country build resilience against climate-related challenges.
