The Fred Hollows Foundation will continue to support eye health in Pakistan despite recent catastrophic flooding.
Eye health operations have been significantly impacted by the ongoing flood crisis, with loss of infrastructure expected throughout the country.
The Foundation’s Director of Public Affairs, David Britton, says that it’s becoming clear that eye care services in Pakistan will be greatly impacted beyond the immediate effects of the floods.
“There are reports of significant damage to infrastructure in many of the districts where The Foundation works, along with the loss of many lives and properties,” Britton said.
“We know that the District Headquarter Hospital in Nowshera has been badly damaged and we can expect more reports like this as communications are re-established across the country.”
The Foundation works in many of the districts heavily impacted by the floods such as Nowshera, Charsadda, Haripur, Swat, D.G. Khan, Layyeh, Bhakhar, Shikarpur, Sukhar, Sanghar and Khairpur.
“The full extent of the damage will probably not be known for weeks, but it’s clear many eye health services will need our extra support,” Britton said.
“At this stage, our priority as an organisation has been to ensure the safety of our staff and their families and provide them with the assistance and support they need at this very difficult time.”
“Our thoughts are very much with the people of Pakistan at this tragic time.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation has a proud
record of achievement in Pakistan. Since beginning its programs in 1998, the rate of blindness has dropped from 1.8% to 0.9% of population.
>Learn more about our
Pakistan program.