Pakistan faces recurrent natural disasters, a severe nutrition crisis, and hosts the second-largest number of refugees globally, primarily from Afghanistan. These challenges are compounded by widespread poverty and limited access to essential services, such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Women and girls in Pakistan are particularly vulnerable, facing significant protection risks, including gender-based violence and harmful practices like early and forced marriage. Humanity Increased, in collaboration with organizations like UNFPA, is dedicated to addressing these critical issues through comprehensive humanitarian aid.

Current Humanitarian Needs

As of June 2024, an estimated 24.7 million people in Pakistan are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The need for support spans various sectors, including health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and protection services.

Key Humanitarian Challenges

Natural Disasters and Nutrition Crisis

Pakistan is frequently impacted by natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and droughts. These events not only displace communities but also exacerbate the ongoing nutrition crisis. Many areas face chronic food insecurity, with children and pregnant women being the most affected by malnutrition.

Refugee Crisis

Hosting over 1.4 million Afghan refugees, Pakistan is the second-largest host of refugees in the world. The influx of refugees places additional strain on already limited resources, including housing, healthcare, and education services.

Poverty and Limited Access to Services

Pervasive poverty in Pakistan limits access to basic services for many communities. Safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and healthcare facilities are scarce, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. These challenges are heightened in times of crisis, making emergency response and long-term development efforts crucial.

Protection Risks for Women and Girls

Women and girls in Pakistan face significant protection risks, including gender-based violence and harmful practices such as early and forced marriage. These risks are amplified in crisis situations, where access to protective services is limited.

How Humanity Increased is Responding

Humanity Increased, alongside partners like UNFPA, is committed to providing comprehensive support to crisis-affected communities in Pakistan. Our efforts focus on key areas including:

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

We support sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, ensuring that women and girls have access to essential healthcare. In 2023, UNFPA-assisted facilities safely delivered babies for 57,655 women. SRH services reach adolescents and youth, promoting awareness and access to family planning and maternal health.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response

Addressing GBV is a priority. In 2023, over 833,000 people benefited from GBV prevention, mitigation, and response activities. These efforts include awareness-raising, providing life-saving information, and supporting survivors with essential services.

Clean Water and Sanitation

Improving access to safe water and sanitation is critical. We work to rehabilitate water systems and provide hygiene supplies, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases, especially in disaster-affected areas.

Nutrition Support

Combating malnutrition involves distributing food aid and providing nutritional support, particularly to children and pregnant women. Awareness activities and nutritional supplements are part of our integrated approach to address the nutrition crisis.

Refugee Assistance

Supporting refugees from Afghanistan involves providing shelter, healthcare, education, and vocational training. These efforts aim to integrate refugees into local communities and enhance their self-sufficiency.

Key Humanitarian Results in 2023

• 24.7 million people identified in need of humanitarian assistance.
• 10.72 million people targeted by UNFPA’s interventions.
• 57,655 women assisted in safe childbirth in UNFPA-supported facilities.
• 833,539 individuals engaged in GBV prevention, mitigation, and response activities.
• 713,591 people provided with SRH services.
• 480,499 people reached through SRH information and awareness activities.
• 262,313 individuals received awareness-raising and GBV life-saving information.

How You Can Help

The humanitarian needs in Pakistan are immense and ongoing. Contributions to Humanity Increased can significantly impact the lives of those affected. Here are ways you can help:

• Donate: Financial contributions support our comprehensive aid programs, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed.
• Volunteer: Offer your skills and time to support our initiatives on the ground or remotely.
• Raise Awareness: Share information about the humanitarian crisis in Pakistan to encourage broader support and engagement.

Conclusion

The humanitarian crisis in Pakistan requires sustained and multifaceted support. By understanding the complexities of the challenges faced and contributing to the efforts of organizations like Humanity Increased, we can help alleviate suffering and build a more resilient future for those affected. Your support and generosity are crucial in making a lasting difference in the lives of millions in Pakistan.