WHO sounds alarm as post-flood outbreaks grip Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a sharp rise in waterborne and vector-borne diseases across Pakistan in the aftermath of recent floods, warning of a growing public health crisis.

According to the report, dengue cases have increased by 41 percent and malaria cases by 26 percent since the flooding began. The situation is particularly alarming in Balochistan and Sindh, where cholera outbreaks have been recorded.

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, health officials are witnessing a rise in skin infections, scabies, and cases of snake and dog bites linked to stagnant floodwaters and deteriorating sanitary conditions.

WHO has urged immediate action to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure clean drinking water, and provide emergency healthcare services to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Compounding the crisis, dozens of hospitals in flood-hit regions have either been destroyed or severely damaged, further limiting access to medical care.

WHO has urged immediate intervention, including the restoration of healthcare facilities, provision of safe drinking water, and expanded disease surveillance, warning that without swift action, Pakistan’s fragile health infrastructure risks being overwhelmed by epidemic outbreaks.