Concern Worldwide, an international nongovernment organization “that strives for a world free from poverty, fear and oppression,” has been pivotal in driving positive change and significantly impacting Pakistan through its range of programs and initiatives. With a commitment to addressing the most pressing needs of communities across the country, Concern Worldwide has established itself as a key player in the realm of humanitarian aid and development. From health care and education to livelihood support and emergency response, the organization’s multifaceted approach aims to uplift and empower individuals and communities in Pakistan, ultimately contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Why Is Concern Worldwide Helping Pakistan?

Pakistan faces a significant risk of natural disasters, including droughts, earthquakes, floods and landslides. These events often lead to mass displacement, increased humanitarian needs and worsened food insecurity and malnutrition. In fact, from June to September of 2022, Pakistan experienced significant impacts from heavy monsoon rains and glacial lake outbursts, which led to widespread flooding and landslides. Approximately 33 million people were affected, with more than 1,700 reported deaths, nearly 12,900 individuals injured and an estimated 7.9 million people displaced.

Additionally, more than 2.3 million houses and millions of acres of agricultural land and crops were damaged or destroyed. As of 2023, according to the latest Global Hunger Index (GHI) report, Pakistan has been placed 99th out of 129 nations and has classified its hunger level as “serious.” The intersection of political conflict, the changing climate and the COVID-19 pandemic has placed millions at risk of food insecurity.

What Is Concern Worldwide Doing To Help?

Concern Worldwide is making an impact in Pakistan and creating substantial positive changes. Through community empowerment and enhancing education and health care accessibility, its efforts focus on building a better tomorrow for those most in need. In partnership with local entities in the South Asian nation, its efforts are concentrated on building resilience to natural challenges, swift responses to crises, tackling malnutrition and encouraging the development of skills, livelihoods and economic self-reliance.

Health and Nutrition Programs

By improving access to health care services, providing nutritional support to children and pregnant women and raising awareness about hygiene and sanitation practices, the organization is helping to improve the overall health and well-being of communities in Pakistan.

Its Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) Surge strategy is geared towards improving the health care system and enhancing the skills of health care professionals. The nonprofit has trained medical officers, nutrition assistants and paramedical staff in 28 health facilities to provide essential care to malnourished children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Emergency Responses

One of the main ways in which Concern Worldwide is making an impact in Pakistan is through its emergency response efforts. From distributing food and water to offering medical assistance, its emergency response teams work tirelessly to ensure that individuals and families have the support they need during times of crisis. For example, the initiative’s Responding to Pakistan’s Internally Displaced (RAPID) Fund Program helps those affected by natural or artificial disasters nationwide.

The organization also tackles the underlying factors contributing to emergencies by emphasizing disaster risk reduction and building resilience. In 2018, the initial phase of the DFID-funded Building Disaster Resilience Program (BDRP) was completed successfully, improving resilience at the community and household levels in districts prone to flooding.

Economic Opportunities and Gender Equity

Using the Building Disaster Resilience program, Concern Worldwide is working to empower individuals to create lasting income sources through Climate Smart Agriculture by providing workshops for both women and men. These workshops include male and female farmers learning climate-smart practices to improve their crop production, leading to better incomes.

However, these interventions were specifically targeted at women. In fact, in 2018, 2,250 nutritious and locally-grown vegetable packages were provided to women, along with the necessary tools to help them create home-based kitchen gardens. These initiatives aim to enhance women’s economic prospects and boost their confidence and motivation to assist in making their communities a better place.

Agriculture

Furthermore, Concern Worldwide is impacting Pakistan through its efforts to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience. By working with communities to implement sustainable agricultural practices, conserve natural resources and adapt to the changing climate, the organization helps protect the environment and build resistance against the impacts of the changing climate in Pakistan.

This has benefited the environment and improved the livelihoods and well-being of vulnerable communities in the country. In 2019, more than 200 sessions were held on Climate Smart Agriculture. Additionally, 129 training sessions on livestock management were conducted for households relying on livestock for their income. Furthermore, 240 community livestock extension workers were trained to ensure the availability of cost-effective livestock services.

Conclusion

By focusing on education, health care, emergency response, livelihoods, gender equality and environmental sustainability, Concern Worldwide is positively changing the lives of millions of people in Pakistan and helping to create a more stable society for future generations.

– Sara Hatab
Photo: Flickr