In 2022, from April into September devastating floods swept through Sindh, Pakistan, submerging entire communities and leaving thousands grappling with the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and futures. The scale of destruction was unprecedented. In the aftermath, it became clear that the needs of these communities went far beyond our initial project, which focused on immunization. It quickly transformed into the Fragility, Emergency, and Displaced Population project, a comprehensive humanitarian effort, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to address the multifaceted challenges faced by flooded communities.
Turning crisis into action
Working with our partners, including Gavi and the Government of Pakistan, Jhpiego pivoted to provide not only health care but also psychosocial support and relief services to those in need. Together, we established 400 relief camps across Sindh, in Larkana, Dadu, Kambar, and Shikarpur districts. These camps became lifelines for families who had been cut off from basic services.
From October 2023 to November 2024, we provided more than 17,000 individuals with outpatient health care and more than 7,000 children with immunizations. This included 1,000 children who had never received any routine vaccination and 2,000 who had started their vaccinations but missed subsequent doses. These numbers gave us hope that we were making a real difference in the lives of families.
We also knew that services for pregnant women and newborns could not wait. Our team provided over 20,000 antenatal care sessions and more than 640 postnatal care visits, ensuring that mothers and newborns received the care they needed.
Healing hidden wounds
But the floods left more than physical scars. They left fear, uncertainty, and deep emotional trauma. Stories shared by the communities showed that the floods had a long-lasting impact. One mother said, “The flood was not just about losing our homes. It was about the fear and endless nights of wondering if we would survive.” In response, we conducted over 2,000 mental health screenings to support families to regain a sense of hope and stability.
Building resilient communities together
What stood out to me was the role of our community health workers and volunteers who were the backbone of the recovery effort. Local champions like Zoya Sahar, a lady health visitor in Dadu who said, “There are no hospitals or medical facilities in my village. This inspired me to become a lady health visitor. I couldn’t become a doctor, but through my work, I can still make a big difference.” Zoya and her peers tirelessly worked to raise awareness about vaccinations and to care for women and babies before, during, and after childbirth.
Collaboration with local community-based organizations ensured that our impact went beyond immediate relief. Together, we have built a robust referral system to link clients who need advanced care to higher-level health facilities and equipped local leaders with tools and training so they could continue serving their communities.
This sustainable approach is essential to nurturing a culture of health-seeking behavior that will last long after the floods. I firmly believe that by equipping local leaders, we are addressing the immediate needs and laying the groundwork for healthier communities.
Hope for the future
The physical scars of the flood are healing, but I know that our work is far from over. This effort has shown me the fortitude of individuals in the face of unimaginable loss, the strength of communities when they come together, and the power of partnerships to create change and rebuild hope.
Watch this video to see where hope goes when everything familiar has been washed away.