Merlin USA welcomes the US government’s $165 million pledge to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance resulting from the spreading conflict in Pakistan. But more is needed to begin the recovery process.
Despite this contribution, the international community has yet to meet the UN funding target of $543 million launched in an emergency appeal last May. More than 2.3 million people, who have fled their homes seeking safety, are in great need of assistance.
The current crisis in Pakistan has prompted the largest internal displacement since the Rwandan genocide and Merlin calls on international donors to step up funding to avoid a humanitarian disaster.
“The international community must step up their contributions to ensure these families stay healthy while they endure this great upheaval in their lives,” said Lucy Dorick, Director of Merlin USA.
“And we must think ahead. What will these families go home to? Will they have clean water and enough food? Will there be health clinics and the staff to run them?”
Merlin medical teams are working around the clock to battle against disease outbreaks and provide medical care to vulnerable families. Providing treatment to 14,000 people each week, teams are operating eight static health clinics and eight mobile clinics are operating in camps and host communities. An additional 12 clinics, half of them are mobile, are dedicated to treating malnutrition.
As more displaced families begin the process of returning home, Merlin is coordinating with the local health authorities to support access to health in the secured areas of the Swat Valley. Improved security allowed Merlin staff to carry out a health assessment in the Buner area, and we are now operating nine health facilities, including 3 in local hospitals, which Merlin is refurbishing and providing support.
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