Pakistan Relief Toolkit: Providing Essential Knowledge and Resources for Relief Efforts

As the flood waters begin to recede across Pakistan, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says the government is now “seriously concerned” about the potential spread of epidemic diseases.

The flooding has left more than 1,600 people dead and approximately six million homeless. According to the BBC, about 17 million of Pakistan’s 166 million people have been affected by the disaster. In addition, the United Nations warns that without enough doctors or proper facilities, over 100,000 pregnant women are now at risk of infection and disease.

“As human misery continues to mount, we are seriously concerned with the spread of epidemic diseases,” Yousuf Raza Gilani said, adding, “There is a likelihood of water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery, especially in children who are already weak and vulnerable.”

In an effort to assist the relief efforts in Pakistan, K4Health has published the Pakistan Relief Toolkit (www.k4health.org/toolkits/pakistan-relief) which provides practical and technical health-related information to those on the ground.

The toolkit is a one-stop source for information that will help health workers respond to the flood relief efforts underway in the country. The toolkit covers the vital sectors in emergencies, including health, water and sanitation, food security, and shelter. It also covers key field activities supporting the operations, such as logistics.

The toolkit is accessible online, but K4Health will also be uploading it to flash drives so that those on the front line can access the information where Internet connectivity is lacking.

The devastation in Pakistan is severe and those providing relief need as much support as possible. Please join us to bring the essential knowledge and resources needed on the ground to alleviate some of the burden.

If you have any questions concerning the toolkit, please contact the team at toolkits@k4health.org or leave a comment on the discussion board.

Chris Rottler, Senior Communication Manager