The World Health Organization (WHO) hosted an event on Friday to express gratitude to Japan for its assistance in Pakistan through the successful “Rebuilding Together” project, which revitalized healthcare infrastructure in flood-affected areas. Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro, along with other dignitaries, gathered to celebrate the project’s completion, as per a news release.
The severe monsoon rains that hit Pakistan between mid-July and mid-August 2022 caused unprecedented flooding, affecting millions of lives in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh provinces. Over 600,000 people were displaced, 1.9 million homes were damaged, and significant agricultural losses were incurred. The healthcare infrastructure suffered greatly, with over 2,000 health facilities damaged. With financial aid from Japan, WHO promptly responded to communicable disease outbreaks and improved access to essential healthcare by restoring damaged facilities. Through joint efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in Pakistan, WHO renovated 462 healthcare facilities and equipped them with necessary supplies, including 240 rehabilitated with Japan’s assistance. These facilities are now under government health authorities’ management, ensuring continued service provision. Additionally, WHO invested in capacity building for local healthcare professionals, focusing on disease surveillance and outbreak response for long-term sustainability.
Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Pakistan, expressed gratitude for Japan’s significant support, emphasizing its crucial role in restoring healthcare access for vulnerable communities post-floods. Ambassador Wada Mitsuhiro commended WHO Pakistan’s efforts and support to the Pakistani government, highlighting Japan’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage and considering global health central to its development cooperation. WHO Pakistan reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the Pakistani government and stakeholders to further strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
