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ISLAMABAD, 8 July 2025 — The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and health sector partners, has launched a comprehensive emergency health response plan targeting 1.3 million vulnerable people across 33 high-risk districts, as the country braces for potentially devastating monsoon floods.
The Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025, finalized during a recent Health Sector Coordination Forum meeting led by the Ministry of Health and co-chaired by WHO, aims to ensure coordinated and timely emergency medical assistance, uninterrupted essential health services, and strengthened disease surveillance and outbreak response in areas most likely to be affected by flooding. The initiative comes in response to warnings from the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of intense monsoon activity and a nationwide flood alert, following reports of 79 deaths and 140 injuries since the start of the monsoon season on 26 June.
The 33 priority districts are distributed across Punjab (10), Sindh (10), Balochistan (9), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (4). Special attention is being given to pregnant and lactating women, children under five, persons with disabilities, the elderly, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and underserved communities in flood-prone regions.
Key activities under the plan include:
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Prepositioning and distribution of emergency health kits and supplies
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Enhanced disease surveillance and rapid outbreak response
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Improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions in health facilities
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Service delivery through static and mobile health units, outreach services, and telemedicine
Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan, emphasized the urgency of preparedness in the face of climate change:
“WHO stands with Pakistan and partners to be ready to save lives by supporting rapid response, surveillance and the continuity of essential health services in the event of a natural disaster. In a context marked by the impacts of climate change, which are exacerbating risks, it is crucial to be ready to protect the health of all, particularly the most vulnerable.”
Pakistan remains among the countries most affected by extreme weather events, ranking 8th globally between 2000 and 2019 according to the Global Climate Risk Index. The catastrophic 2022 floods impacted over 33 million people, damaged more than 2,000 health facilities, and severely strained the public health system, underscoring the necessity of anticipatory and coordinated planning.
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This article is based on information provided by the World Health Organization and official Pakistani authorities as of 8 July 2025. The situation is evolving, and details may change as new data becomes available. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the latest updates and guidance on flood-related health emergencies.
