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Yearly Archives: 2024

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As we approach the monsoon season, we are reminded of the devastating impact that floods and extreme climate change have had on Pakistan in recent years. In light of this, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is committed to ensuring a swift and effective response to the anticipated floods in 2024. The National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA (Pakistan) warned last Tuesday of strong monsoon currents likely to penetrate from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal in upper regions of Pakistan, resulting in a series of rains across various parts of the country in the coming days and weeks. Read the latest Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) report here.

The contingency plan attached is an overview of CWSA’s approach and capacity to respond to the forecasted floods in Pakistan. It highlights the response capacity, available resources, vulnerable geographical areas and available opportunities that can be immediately deputed/utilised to kick off the emergency response.

CWSA’s History and Presence in Pakistan

Community World Service Asia has a long-standing history of over 50 years in Pakistan, working closely with local communities, government agencies, and international partners. Our deep-rooted relationships and extensive presence across the country have enabled us to respond effectively to various emergencies and development challenges. With six operational offices spread across the country, our capacity to operate in all provinces of Pakistan ensures that we can reach the most vulnerable populations swiftly and efficiently.

Preparedness and Response Capacity

In preparation for the anticipated floods, we have mobilised our resources and are ready to deploy six fully functional Mobile Health Units (MHUs). These units are equipped to provide essential medical services, including primary healthcare, maternal and child health, and emergency medical care. Additionally, we have prepositioned a substantial stock of medicines and medical supplies to address immediate health needs.

We have also established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Mobile Cash Transfer Service providers to facilitate rapid and secure cash assistance to affected families. Our technical and sectoral expertise spans across various domains, including:

  • Quality & Accountability: Ensuring that our interventions promote accountability to affected people and meet the highest standards of quality humanitarian assistance outlined by global standards and practices.
  • Health: Providing emergency healthcare services to affected communities.
  • Psychosocial Support: Addressing the mental health and psychosocial needs of flood-affected individuals.
  • Cash Voucher Assistance: Delivering timely financial support to help families meet their urgent needs in a dignified manner.
  • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Continuously assessing the impact and effectiveness of our interventions.

Human Resources and Coordination

Our HR scale-up roster is in place, allowing us to rapidly deploy experienced staff to the affected areas. We have also established a robust coordination mechanism with local level line departments, PDMA/NDMA, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), and local NGOs to ensure a harmonised and efficient response.

Through our comprehensive contingency plan, combined with our experience and resources, we aim to support flood affected communities immediately and effectively. To achieve this, we are establishing a Rapid Response Fund (RRF), enabling us to mobilise resources and respond within 24 hours of the occurrence of the flood. Your contribution will ensure that essential supplies such as food, clean water, medical aid, and cash will reach flood survivors without delay.

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When: 5th – 7th August, 2024
Where: Murree
Language: English
Interested: Click here to apply
Last Date to Apply: 22nd July, 2024

Rationale:

In today’s rapidly changing humanitarian landscape, it’s crucial for organisations working at local and national levels to stay updated and aligned with international standards to effectively support people and communities affected by crises and vulnerabilities. The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) provides a framework for organisations to ensure their actions are guided by principles of dignity, respect, and accountability. As the CHS has recently been updated to version 2024, it is imperative for organisations to understand and adapt to these changes.

Our workshop aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the revised version of the CHS. By equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement the CHS effectively, we can enhance the quality and accountability of humanitarian response efforts at the local and national level.

Aims & Objectives:

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Understand the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) version 2024:

  • Familiarise participants with the nine commitments outlined in the CHS and their significance in humanitarian action.
  • Provide an overview of the changes and updates introduced in the 2024 version of the CHS.

Create Awareness of the Enabling Environment for CHS Implementation:

  • Explore the necessary organisational culture, values, and approaches needed to support the systematic application of the CHS.

Strengthen Engagement with Stakeholders:

  • Explore methods for effectively involving stakeholders in decision-making processes and promoting their active participation in finding solutions to crises.

Develop Action Plans for CHS Implementation:

  • Support participants in developing concrete action plans for implementing the CHS within their organisations.
  • Provide tools and resources for monitoring progress and evaluating the impact of CHS implementation efforts.

By achieving these objectives, the workshop aims to empower participants to embrace the CHS as a guiding framework for their organisations’, thereby improving quality, accountability.

Methodology:

The “Blended Learning” approach developed by CWSA over decades of experience will be used in this
workshop. The approach will be participatory and needs based in nature. It shall include the selection of
participants from various organisations at various levels, and the development of content and methodology will be based on the needs of the participants. Experienced and knowledgeable trainers/practitioners will be engaged and will help participants develop action plans, conduct follow-up refreshers and will provide coaching and mentoring support.

Participation

Applicants will be informed by July 25th about their confirmation status. Women staff and persons with disabilities (PWD) are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to participants from organisations based in underserved areas.

Selection Criteria:

  • Mid or senior level managers in a civil society organisations, field staff of large CSOs or CSOs
    with main offices in small towns and cities.
  • Commitment to apply learning in their work, including dissemination of learning within
    their organisation.
  • Willingness to pay a workshop Fees of PKR 25,000 Exemptions may be applied for CSOs with limited funding and those from marginalised groups. Discount of 10% on early registration by 15th July 2024 and 20% discount will be awarded to women participants.

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is a humanitarian, development, advocacy and capacity enhancement organisation, registered in Pakistan, head- quartered in Karachi and implementing initiatives throughout Asia. We are a member of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Alliance. We are the Sphere Country Focal Point in Pakistan and the Regional Partner in Asia for Sphere. We are also the focal point for maintaining the Asian Disaster Reduction & Response Network’s (ADRRN) Q&A Hub in the region through which we aim to increase the effectiveness of humanitarian response. For more details visit our website: www.communityworldservice.asia

Facilitator’s Profile:

Uma specialises in human resources, organisational development and accountability in the humanitarian sector. Her background is in Organisational and Systems Development and she worked as an Organisation Development and Human Resources practitioner for more than a decade. She is committed to quality and accountability and is a Sphere and Core Humanitarian Standard trainer and advisor. As a facilitator, Uma has organised, over 200 workshops and training sessions both locally and internationally. Uma is also an experienced Harassment and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Investigator and accredited Associate Executive Coach.

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“It became quite burdensome to make the weekly trip to Umerkot for my regular check-ups. This necessitated a significant expenditure of both energy and money, as one cannot visit a hospital in Umerkot without having at least three thousand in their pocket. Upon reaching the hospital, I often found myself lacking sufficient funds to purchase all the prescribed medicines, ending up with only buying a few out of the lot,” shared Cheeno, an 80-year-old grandfather living in the small village of Ramsar, located 65 kilometres away from Umerkot city. The little village is connected by a road to the rest of the district.

With age, Cheeno developed several health issues, including Acute Respiratory Infection, making him susceptible to coughs and flu even in hot weather. “It was challenging for me to walk the 10 kilometres distance to reach the road from our village where one could catch a ride to Umerkot city. I recall that the journey to Umerkot for my check-ups would worsen my condition, and by the time I reached the hospital, walking became troublesome,” explained Cheeno. The journey to Umerkot has consistently proven exhausting for residents of Ramsar, but they had not choice if they wanted to prioritise their health and get a check-up done at a health facility. That was the nearest to them.

Cheeno is blessed with fifteen grandchildren; nine boys and six girls. He has twenty-three members in his family, including his wife, three sons, and their families. All three of his sons work as labourers on agrarian fields alongside their wives to ensure three meals for their children and parents. They work on daily wages for land owners.

With all his sons working (though only seasonally), which is a big blessing for families living in rural Umerkot, Cheeno has lived his set of struggles. He reflects on the challenges the family has faced, “My wife cannot walk; she has weak legs. Sometimes, I had to carry her on my back to the road to take her to Umerkot for her medical treatment. We were leading a very difficult life.” With limited access to health facilities, most families, especially elderly and those disabled, faced severe challenges to access even the most basic health care.

In July 2022, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) operationalised a public dispensary and initiated quality health services in Ramsar. The dispensary had been non-functional previously due to lack of resources, such as medical staff, equipment and medicines. In collaboration with Act for Peace (AFP) and with the support of the Australian government, CWSA launched this health project1, operating from a government dispensary and, over the past year, has provided free medicine and diagnosis to over 7,000 patients.

“When I first learned that the dispensary was functional, I felt relieved and happy. Now, we could obtain medicines by walking just a few meters. Since discovering this dispensary, we have stopped taking the long rides to Umerkot. During my initial visit to the dispensary in August 2023, I experienced severe respiratory problems that I have been suffering from due to old age. To my surprise, I was given medicines for free. These medicines really helped me,” shared Cheeno. He continues to visit the dispensary whenever he runs out of medications, and his tendency to catch the flu has significantly diminished. Presently, he only suffers from a cough, attributed primarily to physical weakness and age.

Community World Service Asia has been providing a range of medical services at the Ramsar Dispensary, including OPD services with vital medicines offered free of cost. Awareness raising sessions on family planning and women’s reproductive health, antenatal and postnatal care services, baby delivery services, and general well-being counselling sessions are conducted at the dispensary and with the community members on a regular basis. Cheeno’s family has been availing these health services ever since its launch.

Village Committees have actively participated in this project through health education sessions, international days, capacity-building trainings, and meetings held in their villages and at dispensaries. The community has supported organising these events, disseminated health awareness, and referred patients to clinics. They have also ensured the protection of dispensary staff and medical equipment. As a result of these interventions over the past two years, health awareness has increased, leading to improved women’s health and reduced infant mortality. Prior to CWSA’s involvement, the village of Ramsar had numerous kidney disease cases. Now, due to proper medication and awareness sessions, the situation has significantly improved.

“When I first came here with my son, we realised we had to tell everyone at home about this dispensary since it was such a blessing. I was eager to bring my wife here as she needed treatment for her weakness and recurrent illnesses too. She was prescribed different calcium and vitamins, and gradually, she was able to take a few steps on her own,” shared Cheeno. This marked a significant relief for Cheeno, as his wife, who was almost bedridden due to her weak legs, could now walk. Following Cheeno, all his other family members, especially the women, have become regular visitors at the dispensary. From his daughters-in-law receiving baby delivery services to his grandchildren availing regular medical check-ups, the Ramsar Dispensary has addressed many healthcare needs for Cheeno’s family and many others living in the area.

Under its health program, Community World Service Asia has extended primary healthcare services in three Union Councils (UCs) – Faqeer Abdullah, Sekhro, and Kaplore – in District Umerkot. The health centres have prioritised Maternal, New-born, and Child Health (MNCH) by operating in three government health dispensaries in collaboration with the district health department. “I used to take loans from landlords for my visits to Umerkot, but now we are happy and less burdened. We have a great service nearby, and we are even able to save the money that we used to spend on medicines, all thanks to CWSA and AFP,” smiled Cheeno.

  1. Improving Health and Education Services in Migration Prone Union Councils of District Umerkot ↩︎

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday warned that extreme heatwave conditions would persist across parts of Sindh and Punjab in June, with temperatures likely to remain above 48 degrees Celsius.

The authority’s National Emergency Operations Centre said that Umerkot, Tharparkar, Tando Ala Yar, Matiari and Sanghar districts in Sindh are expected to be affected, while in Punjab, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur are most likely to experience heatwave conditions.

In its advisory, NDMA also said that from May 31 to June 5, dust storms, gusty winds and light rain are also likely to occur in the upper regions of the country.

Extreme Weather Conditions

On Thursday, harsh weather conditions persisted across the Sindh province, even though temperatures dropped in most cities.

The Met Office recorded the maximum temperature in Jacobabad at 50.5°C, followed by Dadu at 49°C . Except for Karachi, which barely missed the mark with a high of 39.5°C and 63 per cent humidity, all other cities in the province registered temperatures above the 40 degree-mark.

Severe heatwave conditions persist across most parts of the province with daytime maximum temperature being 6-8 degrees above normal in Dadu, Kambar Shahd­adkot, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shik­arpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad districts and 5-7 degrees above normal in Sang­har, Hyderabad, Mitiari, Tando Allah Yar, Tando Moha­mmad Khan, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Tharparkar and Badin districts.

The heatwave conditions are likely to persist till June 1st.

Warning the authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures, the NDMA advisory urged citizens to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities between 11am and 3pm.

Many labourers from remote areas travel daily to cities for work, but the current heatwave has severely disrupted their livelihoods pattern and led to worsening health conditions. The extreme heat makes commuting difficult.

The heatwave has also impacted people staying at home, as inconsistent electricity and lack of cooling options limit their ability to cope with prolonged heat stress. The ongoing hot and dry weather is stressing water reservoirs, crops, vegetables, and orchards, while also increasing energy and water demand, which is difficult to manage during the current crisis.

Community World Service Asia’s Response:

Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in collaboration with district authorities, has established a heatstroke centre/camp at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Umerkot. The CWSA team initially launched their services by providing cold drinking water, conducting awareness sessions, and referring heatstroke patients to the DHQ. These awareness sessions are delivered directly to pedestrians, patients, and their attendants, messages to prevent heat strokes and raise awareness on precautionary measures are also broadcasted over speakers for public awareness. Every day, more than 1,000 people visit the centre to quench their thirst, as there is no fresh water facility available nearby to them. People not only come to drink water but also carry some back for family members or relatives who are hospitalised at the DHQ. So far, 20 critical patients have been referred to the emergency department after receiving initial treatment.

The CWSA health team has set up heatstroke corners at each public dispensary operated by CWSA to manage emergency cases and serve patients visiting from nearby villages seeking urgent medical services in the extreme heat. The team provides cold drinking water, first aid, ORS, and glucose sachets to visitors seeking medical care.

With additional support, CWSA also plans to establish three heatwave facilitation centres for three months in Umerkot district which will offer clean, cold drinking water, juice and shaded rest areas. Each centre will have generators, pedestal fans, stretchers, necessary furniture, basic medical equipment, and medicines. Two Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and two medical technicians will rotate among the centres. The paramedic staff will perform emergency procedures such as checking blood pressure, administering medications, clearing airways, and initiating IVs if necessary. They will also apply cold bandages or towels to reduce body temperature. Critical patients will be referred to the nearest healthcare facility, with transportation provided.

These centres will also distribute informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials to raise awareness about heat-related illnesses. The centres will operate throughout the peak summer months until the end of August.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Sources:
Relief Web
NDMA
Pakistan Metrological department
Dawn

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We are pleased to announce that the Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week (RHPW) – Asia Pacific 2024 will take place from 10th to 12th  December 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. Last year, over 280 participants from 200 organizations participated in the regional event. 

The theme of this year’s is “Sparking Global Change through Local Solutions in Humanitarian Action. The Concept note of the RHPW 2024 is here. 

RHPW is a joint initiative of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), Asian Disaster Risk Reduction Network (ADRRN), Community World Service Asia (CWSA), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). RHPW aims to bring together humanitarian practitioners, academics, the private sector, and donors from various sectors across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange best practices, foster collaboration, and strengthen partnerships for effective humanitarian programming and service delivery to affected people.

We invite you to mark your calendars and Register for this important event. 

For organizations to share Expressions of Interest (EOI), please follow this link to submit your form.

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Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a heatwave alert for most parts of the country, especially for Punjab and Sindh provinces.

“It is forecasted that heatwave conditions are likely to develop over most parts of the country, especially Punjab and Sindh from May 21 and likely to advance into severe heatwave conditions from May 23 to May 27,” announced NDMA on Thursday.

The forecast delineates three separate heat wave spells. The initial spell is expected to persist for two to three days, followed by a subsequent spell lasting four to five days towards the end of May. Temperatures are anticipated to further escalate up to 45 degrees Celsius in June. The NDMA spokesperson has cautioned about the likelihood of a third heatwave spell in the initial ten days of the month, which could last for 3 to 5 days.

The NDMA underscores that heat waves will impact both human and animal populations, necessitating proactive measures before the onset of the anticipated heatwaves nationwide.

During the second heatwave, which is anticipated to persist for four to five days, the impact is expected to be felt particularly in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Badin, and Khairpur districts of Sindh.

Reflecting on past experiences, Pakistan encountered its worst heatwave in 2022, as highlighted in the 2022 report by Amnesty International. The report underscores the lethal repercussions of extreme heat, especially for more vulnerable communities and populations such as children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic diseases.

Heatwaves exacerbate health conditions, leading to heat strokes, cramps, and aggravating pre-existing health issues such as diabetes, ultimately culminating in fatalities or accelerated deterioration of health.

Warnings have been issued by the provincial and district governments in Sindh, Punjab and KPK provinces of extreme weather in coming days and have advised people to take precautionary measures such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding direct exposure to the sun. The government is seeking assistance from humanitarian organisations in establishing heatwave camps/centres where affected people may find shelter and cold water, as well as receive basic first-aid treatment.

Community World Service Asia’s Response:

Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in partnership with district authorities, plans to establish four heatwave centres or camps in Umerkot district. These include one central site in Umerkot city and three additional camps near health facilities already supported via CWSA projects: Government dispensary Ramsar, Government Dispensary Jhamrari, and Government Dispensary Cheelband. These camps aim to offer basic services such as first aid, shelter, seating, clean drinking water, and juices to vulnerable individuals in the area, including pedestrians exposed to the sun and at risk of dehydration. With the expected rise in heatwave occurrences, CWSA will plan to expand its efforts to provide similar assistance, as well as first-aid treatment and public awareness campaigns in areas where it maintains operational presence.

Contacts:
Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Sources:
Relief Web
NDMA
Pakistan Metrological department
The Nation Newspaper
The Dawn Newspaper

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