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Recent floods in Pakistan have affected over 15 million people. Access to health care is extremely limited. The flood has damaged over 200 clinics and hospitals. The main concern for natural disasters is the amount of infectious diseases that will emerge without proper sanitation and health care facilities. Flood water is unsanitary and can cause water borne diseases like diarrhea, malaria and skin infections. Flood water is extremely unsafe; it is hard to see what is below and around you. Sharp objects plus the unsanitary conditions of the water are causing many skin infections. Skin diseases are one of the leading causes of people seeking medical care during a flood. People that contract diarrheal disease are more likely to suffer from dehydration due to the lack of clean drinking water. Children are at the highest risk of disease.
The World Health Organization is handling the international health response. They are working hard to bring vaccines to the area that will help with malaria. Many mobile clinics have been sent to the area to assist with people that need immediate care. Some of the top concerns are finding sterile places for mothers to deliver their babies, providing cancer patients with treatment, and assisting those with mental health issues. WHO has delivered enough supplies to treat around 2 million people but more is still needed. Floods can cripple an area and require immediate response.
http://www.who.int/features/galleries/pakistan_photo_gallery/en/index.html
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