WEB DESK: In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $1 million to support Pakistan’s flood victims. The funds will be channeled through the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide vital medical assistance to approximately 465,000 people across 33 districts spanning all four provinces.
Dr. Daping Luo, WHO Pakistan’s representative, expressed appreciation for the Gates Foundation’s prompt support. He reiterated WHO’s dedication to safeguarding lives amidst the ongoing crisis. Recently visiting flood-affected regions, Dr. Luo highlighted the worsening monsoon rains, attributing the surge in natural disasters to climate change.
Since June 26, Pakistan has faced devastating floods and heavy rains resulting in over 800 fatalities, more than 1,000 injuries, and the loss of over 5,500 livestock. Infrastructure damage includes 7,465 homes, 658 kilometers of roads, 238 bridges, and multiple health facilities—seven of which were completely destroyed, while 89 others sustained damage. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the most severely impacted area.
In addition to the Gates Foundation’s contribution, the United Nations has allocated $600,000 to aid flood relief efforts. UN relief chief Tom Fletcher authorized the disbursement to bolster ongoing rescue and recovery operations. Recent floods have claimed 400 lives and injured over 190 individuals across Pakistan, exacerbating the humanitarian challenge
