As Pakistan braces for the 2025 monsoon season, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan and health sector partners, has unveiled the Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025. This strategic initiative aims to provide emergency health assistance to 1.3 million vulnerable people across 33 priority districts in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With monsoon floods posing significant threats to public health, this plan is a critical step toward saving lives and ensuring resilience in the face of climate-driven disasters.
A Unified Response to a Growing Threat
The Health Sector Coordination Forum, led by Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and co-led by WHO, recently convened to finalize the Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025. The plan focuses on three core objectives:
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Coordinated Emergency Response: Ensuring a swift and organized response to monsoon-related flooding.
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Continuity of Health Services: Maintaining access to essential medical care in high-risk areas.
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Enhanced Disease Surveillance: Strengthening early warning systems and rapid outbreak response to prevent health crises.
The plan targets 33 flood-prone districts: 10 in Punjab, 10 in Sindh, 9 in Balochistan, and 4 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Priority populations include pregnant and lactating women, children under five, persons with disabilities, the elderly, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and underserved communities.
“WHO stands with Pakistan and partners to be ready to save lives by supporting rapid response, surveillance, and the continuity of essential health services in the event of a natural disaster,” said Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan.
Why Monsoon Preparedness Matters
Pakistan is no stranger to the devastating impacts of monsoon floods. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Pakistan ranks as the 8th most affected country by extreme weather events, with floods being the most recurrent and destructive. The 2022 floods alone affected over 33 million people, damaged more than 2,000 health facilities, and strained the public health system to its limits. Recent reports indicate that the 2025 monsoon season has already claimed 79 lives and injured 140 people since June 26, underscoring the urgency of preparedness.
Climate change is intensifying these risks, making proactive planning essential. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued nationwide flood alerts, forecasting heavy rainfall through July 13, 2025, with risks of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding in cities like Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi.
Monsoon Contingency Plan
The Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025 outlines targeted interventions to address health risks during floods:
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Prepositioning Emergency Supplies: Distributing health kits and medical resources to ensure rapid access in affected areas.
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Enhanced Surveillance: Strengthening disease monitoring and outbreak response to prevent epidemics.
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Improved WASH Services: Upgrading water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in health centers to reduce waterborne diseases.
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Accessible Healthcare: Deploying static and mobile health facilities, outreach services, and telemedicine to reach vulnerable populations.
These measures prioritize the needs of high-risk groups, ensuring that no one is left behind during a crisis.
The Human and Economic Toll of Floods
Monsoon floods in Pakistan have far-reaching consequences beyond immediate health risks. The 2022 floods displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and decimated livelihoods, particularly in rural areas. In 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported the highest death toll (29), followed by Punjab (24), Sindh (15), and Balochistan (11). Additionally, 189 homes have been damaged, and livestock losses are mounting, further threatening food security and economic stability.
The economic cost of inaction is staggering. The British High Commission estimates that climate inaction could cost Pakistan $1.2 trillion by 2050, with countless lives and livelihoods at stake. Investing in preparedness now is not just a health imperative but an economic necessity.
Lessons from the Past, Hope for the Future
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters demands a proactive approach. The Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025 builds on lessons from past floods, emphasizing resilience and equity. By focusing on underserved communities and leveraging partnerships, the plan aims to mitigate the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.
“In a context marked by the impacts of climate change, which are exacerbating risks, it is crucial to be ready to protect the health of all, particularly the most vulnerable,” Dr. Dapeng Luo emphasized.
Building a Resilient Pakistan
The Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025 is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its people. By strengthening health systems, improving surveillance, and ensuring equitable access to care, Pakistan is taking bold steps toward resilience. Communities, health workers, and policymakers must work together to implement this plan and protect the most vulnerable.
