Pakistan flood victims still struggling

(Photo courtesy of Southern Baptist
 International Mission Board)

Pakistan (BGR/MNN) ―Humanitarian aid groups estimate that around 12 million Pakistanis are still trying to rebuild their lives a year after floods devastated the country.

Pakistan experienced its worst flooding in 80 years last August. In the Shikarpur district of Sindh province, thousands of homes were destroyed and more than half a million people were forced out of their villages.

Southern Baptists responded to the need through a partnership with Shikarpur Christian Hospital.

Teams of doctors have been providing medical care from the hospital. The facility has earned a good reputation in the upper Sindh province since the early 1960s. The Hortons direct the project in South and Central Asia for Baptist Global Response in the love of Christ and in His name.

However, after the flood, which affected 20 million people throughout the country, the hospital staff realized they couldn't help everyone. They decided to focus on one specific area of need -- the malnourished children of the flood-affected families.

These children's families depended on the land for their survival and had no way to make a living after the floods washed away their crops. As field laborers, they were already very poor and had limited access to health care.

Doctors and nurses used 43 mobile medical camps to reach out to flood victims in 14 new villages. Teams also spent time talking to patients and making follow-up visits.

Because Southern Baptists give to their World Hunger Fund, people in Pakistan affected by the flood and who can't afford medical care are getting the help they need, says Francis Horton.

With the funds, the hospital has treated 131 children and their mothers with problems like tuberculosis, malaria, intestinal parasites and upper respiratory infections. The team also provided antibiotics, vitamins, iron supplements, anti-tuberculosis therapy, anti-worm medicines, anti-malarials, antipyretics, oral rehydration solution and antifungal creams to over 3700 people.

BGR and its partners have been the hands and feet of Christ, responding to critical needs in the region.  As a result, doors are opening for the hope of the Gospel. Keep praying that God will use BGR to provide both physical and spiritual help.