In July & August of 2022, an unpredicted heavy monsoon season caused widespread flooding in Pakistan which led to extensive human and infrastructure losses. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 1,162 people were killed, 3,554 were injured, and 1,057,338 houses collapsed. Rockflower partner, Community Services Program, began distributing food following the disaster and was able to support more than 700 families. However, during this time, CSP saw the urgent need for medical intervention in displacement camps, and on October 24th, the organization, in partnership with the Government Health Department, utilized funding from Rockflower to purchase medical supplies in order to hold a free medical clinic and treat women and children in the Sanghar District of Pakistan who had been affected by the devastating flooding.
Although Rockflower’s mission is not to provide emergency disaster relief, in times of great need, there is no choice but to provide what we can for victims of disasters, especially when our partners are willing to organize and distribute relief. The majority of those affected by the floods have been displaced and are now living in temporary camps and tents. The floods have left behind large pools of stagnant water, which have led to increased outbreaks of malaria, cholera and dengue. There is currently little to no medical assistance available for those who are sick and for pregnant women and newborns who require medical care. During one week in the camps of Sanghar District, 8 infants and 4 pregnant women were reported to have passed away due to the lack of available medical aid.
There are a number of disaster relief organizations providing food to the camps, but none providing medical assistance. Therefore, CSP, led by Siddique Hussain, was able to partner with the Government Health Department and raise funds to execute a one day medical clinic for vulnerable women and children. The government provided the doctors, while CSP organized the logistics and funding with support from Rockflower.
During the medical clinic, 282 women, including 56 pregnant women, and 106 children received checkups. The most common illnesses treated were Malaria, Cholera, Dengue, Dysentery, Common fever, Hypertension and Scabies. The doctors were able to provide free medicine and spread awareness about preventative measures to be taken for common diseases.
It was no small feat for CSP to pull together this medical clinic in a matter of days, and serve hundreds of women and children in a single day. In total, this clinic, including the cost of medicine and medical supplies cost just under $7,000 USD. Although this amount is not insignificant, the thought that over 300 lives may have been saved with this funding in a single day is astounding. If divided equally, the clinic expended about $23 per person. Right now, Rockflower is in the midst of our 100 Gardeners in 100 Days campaign where we are working to sign up 100 monthly donors. If it is within your means to become a gardener, you could be providing life saving aid to women and girls with your donation each month.
