In 2022 massive flooding hit Pakistan leaving countless people homeless, jobless and without any basic necessities. The flood left an estimated 1.6 million children severely malnourished and without access to essential nutrition services. Over 60% of these children are affected by the floods, which have affected 84 districts in the country. The Australian government has announced a commitment of AUD $3.5 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide lifesaving nutrition services to these affected children, adolescent girls, and pregnant women. This support will also help mothers screen their children at home for malnutrition and strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to respond to nutrition emergencies.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, expressed the country’s commitment to the people of Pakistan in providing this additional assistance. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has expressed concern about the growing scale of food insecurity and human suffering in many parts of the world.
The Intention
Australia has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the flood-affected communities of Pakistan by providing AUD $1.5 million through CARE Pakistan. This funding will provide nutrition and livelihood support to those living in the Matiari District of Sindh, with a specific focus on vulnerable women and children. The support will include cash grants, kitchen garden kits, and training on agriculture and livestock practices.
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These interventions will help to improve the nutritional status of these communities and enable them to rebuild their lives after the devastating floods. The provision of cash grants will help families purchase essential food items and meet their basic needs, while the kitchen garden kits will provide them with the necessary tools to grow fresh produce for their consumption. Additionally, training on agriculture and livestock practices will enable families to generate income and become self-sufficient, thereby reducing their dependence on external aid.
The goal of this support is to ensure that the affected communities are able to recover from the floods and rebuild their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. By empowering vulnerable women and children with the necessary resources and knowledge, Australia is helping to create a more resilient and prosperous future for these communities.
Australia’s dedication
Australia has now provided a total of AUD $10.2 million in assistance to the 2022 Pakistan floods.The initial support, which was provided in partnership with the World Food Programme, focused on ensuring food security for flood-affected communities through cash transfers and minor rehabilitation works.
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The Australian government’s commitment to supporting the people of Pakistan during this difficult time is a testament to their leadership and dedication to global development and humanitarian efforts. The assistance provided will be critical in helping to prevent malnutrition and provide much-needed support to vulnerable communities affected by the floods. It is important for all countries to work together to address the root causes of poverty and inequality, as well as to provide emergency assistance to those in need, in order to create a more sustainable and equitable world.