The humanitarian and development aid sector is at a turning point. Abrupt donor exits, shrinking funding, and shifting global priorities are forcing organisations to close programs, cut staff, and make urgent choices that reverberate across entire systems. But how are these transitions being experienced by those on the frontlines?
This practice paper, developed by Community World Service Asia with support from ACT Church of Sweden, captures the perspectives of over 450 aid professionals across the Global South. Drawing insights from a regional survey and a dynamic six-part webinar series, the paper elevates the voices often left out of global conversations on aid reform and accountability.
Through the lens of lived experience, it examines the ethical tensions, operational dilemmas, and urgent shifts shaping the sector’s future.
📌 Read the paper to explore what’s at stake—and what must change.
Over the past few years, Pakistan’s civil society landscape has faced increasing operational constraints. Shrinking civic space, regulatory restrictions, and growing mistrust between non- governmental organisations (NGOs) and state institutions have posed significant challenges. However, amid these complexities, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has emerged as a crucial ally for local civil society organisations (CSOs), forging a robust and productive partnership with the Social Welfare Department (SWD) across several provinces.
This partnership, driven by shared goals and strategic collaboration, has not only enhanced the capacity of CSOs but has also strengthened the role of the SWD in enabling a more responsive, transparent, and coordinated regulatory environment.
Further, the lack of effective project management, communication, and advocacy mechanisms has affected both the efficiency of CSOs and the government’s perception of them. In response, CSOs have begun enhancing their communication strategies and digital capabilities.
Against this backdrop, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) launched a three-year initiative titled “Strengthening Civil Society Organisations for Sustainable Development”. This comprehensive project encompasses a digital training programme, development of policy- oriented position papers, establishment of provincial help desks, and creation of a legal advisory cell. It also promotes regulatory compliance and encourages the formation of CSO coalitions for improved networking and advocacy.
Through this collaboration, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is fostering a civic environment where local civil society organisations (CSOs) can operate freely and effectively alongside communities to address social, developmental, and climate-related challenges. The project focuses on two key components: regulatory advocacy and digital capacity building for CSOs.
This initiative has contributed to strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks governing CSOs. More than 4,000 supported CSOs have successfully registered with the Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Social Welfare Department (SWD), or the Charity Commission. Key achievements include supporting Provincial Social Welfare Department in learning and exchanges on regulatory compliance and initiative to have uniform SOPs for NGO registration and renewal, the establishment of provincial help desks, a Legal Advisory Cell at CWSA, and the formation of CSO coalitions to drive sustained policy advocacy. Notably, at least 30% of the 11,050 participants engaged in this component are women.
The Digital Learning Hub, a product of this collaboration, has served as a cornerstone for building CSO capacity through a digital platform offering courses on quality, accountability, advocacy, and climate change adaptation. Over 70% of the 210 participating CSOs have reported improvements in their programmes following the training. The initiative also launched a digital resource library, mentorship programmes, and created national and regional linkages to broaden learning and collaboration. Women account for at least 30% of the platform’s 5,800 users, reinforcing the project’s commitment to gender inclusion.
Impact Across Provinces: Stories of Success and Transformation
Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa (KPK): Mr Fatmin Allah, Additional Director at the SWD in KP, detailed how the department scrutinises the registration and performance of NGOs. Out of 49,533 applications, 3,394 organisations were deregistered for failing to meet legal requirements such as annual audit submissions and executive body elections. The situation intensified when Pakistan was placed on the FATF grey list, which mandated stricter financial scrutiny and led to the deregistration of a further 3,030 organisations nationwide.
The CWSA-SWD collaboration helped address many of these challenges. For instance, CWSA’s assistance in understanding complex compliance requirements supported many NGOs in maintaining their registrations. The partnership also opened avenues for dialogue and clarity on evolving regulations.
Mr Fatmin Allah pointed out that the SWD, with its established infrastructure and human resources, is well-placed to oversee NGO registration and compliance. He advocated for streamlining responsibilities between the SWD and Charity Commission to avoid duplication. Amendments have been proposed to the 1961–62 Ordinance— including police verification, education requirements for executive members, and language proficiency—to align with donor expectations and FATF criteria. These reforms await approval but were largely shaped through SWD’s enhanced engagement, supported by CWSA.
“There is an urgent need to address government misconceptions about NGOs, particularly around funding and staff lifestyles. CWSA’s awareness efforts are a very valuable step in correcting such misperceptions,” remarked Mr. Fatmin
Sindh: Mr Naqeeb Ur Rehman, Director Planning at the SWD in Sindh, underscored the tremendous benefits of CWSA’s support. Since the partnership began roughly three years ago, 6,500 NGOs have been successfully registered. The collaboration has introduced compliance guidelines and facilitated awareness sessions around the legal and procedural frameworks affecting CSOs, including the Societies Act, Charity Commission laws, and EAD procedures.
In the past, many NGO founders relied on private lawyers, resulting in incomplete or misinformed applications. Files were often delayed or ignored. CWSA’s intervention changed this landscape dramatically.
“A notable contribution is the Help Desk established in Sindh, equipped with laptops, a dedicated phone line, WhatsApp support, an online directory, and coordination resources,” shared Mr. Rehman. Launched on 6 March, this facility has become a vital hub for NGO assistance, supporting smoother registration and problem resolution.
Mr Rehman highlighted that CWSA also contributed to capacity building, especially in project cycle management. “Trainings organised in Hyderabad attracted participants from distant districts like Umerkot, Sumaro, Kunri, and Pithoro, reflecting the value and credibility of these programmes. Despite transportation challenges in interior Sindh, the turnout reinforced the significance of CWSA’s presence in the region.”
He concluded with a request for enhanced support and coordination among SWD departments across provinces, suggesting that a national-level learning forum could help bridge information gaps and create consistency in practice.
Punjab: The partnership in Punjab has been especially fruitful. Ms Aksa Rafique Chaudhry, Deputy Director of the SWD in Lahore, described how the relationship evolved with enthusiasm and mutual respect. With CWSA’s support, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) successfully established a Help Desk at its Lahore office, facilitating the registration of over 3,000 NGOs.
Additionally, CWSA’s advocacy efforts, awareness initiatives with NGOs, and specialised training programs for SWD staff significantly enhanced the department’s operational capacity, strengthening its ability to serve and coordinate with civil society organisations effectively. “These trainings enabled officers to effectively manage queries related to registration, compliance, and documentation. CWSA also transformed an unused store room into a functioning help desk, equipped with a laptop and data systems to better manage NGO records,” expressed Ms Chaudhry, appreciating this practical and impactful support.
She proposed several key recommendations to strengthen the partnership between government and NGOs. These included expanding specialised trainings—particularly on the 1961 Act and the updated 2022 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)—to build shared understanding. She also emphasised the need for improved communication to address persistent misconceptions about NGOs, and encouraged greater resource sharing and coordination to avoid duplication of efforts. Lastly, she advocated for institutionalising regular training cycles every 4–5 years to ensure sustained learning and policy responsiveness among government officials.
At the Federal Level: Economic Affairs Division (EAD)
Mr Naveed Ali, Document Specialist at the EAD, acts as a vital bridge between the state and civil society. CWSA advocated for a help desk with the EAD to streamline the registration process and provide due guidence to the NGOs on regulatory requirements. Naveed was placed as ‘Intern’ under the CWSA project at EAD for data digitization. Through CWSA’s support, he manages the Islamabad help desk (also established under this collaboration) that has guided over 3,200 organisations through the EAD registration process. Despite complex documentation procedures—including project reviews, spot checks, and bank verifications—Mr Ali and his team have facilitated completion for approximately 1,200 organisations.
In addition to webinars and a training portal, a comprehensive FAQ section and phone support system were created to improve accessibility. However, Mr Ali highlighted challenges such as repeated or irrelevant queries—even at late hours. Still, he remains committed to his role, emphasising the satisfaction of helping marginalised communities thrive. As he put it, “Hum tou chahtay hain ke in logon ka choolha jalta rahay.” (“We want the stoves of these people to keep burning.”)
A Model for Collaborative Governance
The partnership between CWSA and the Social Welfare Department has proven to be a powerful catalyst in strengthening civil society across Pakistan. By building institutional capacity, improving regulatory frameworks, and promoting mutual trust, CWSA and the SWD have paved the way for a more inclusive, accountable and resilient civil society sector.
This success illustrates that even within a restricted civic space, constructive engagement and joint action can bring about meaningful, sustainable change.
Rahman, a young boy living in Ghulam Muhammad Bhambhro village of District Khairpur, Sindh, is a participant of a healthcare initiative led by Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and supported by the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD). His story highlights the impact of accessible and quality healthcare for marginalised families.
Seven-year-old Rahman is Punhal and Heer’s second child. The parents live hand-to-mouth on 1.5 acres of fertile land with their four children. Their modest income and lack of resources make it nearly impossible to meet the food security needs of the family, let alone address emergencies. Rehman resides in the desert region of Taluka Nara, an area severely impacted by climate change. In May, June, July, and August 2024, the region experienced intense heat waves that further exacerbated the challenges faced by its inhabitants.
The family’s lives were upended when Rahman suffered severe burns after accidentally falling into a fire. The severe burns along his back were quite worrisome for his parents. With no savings and limited options, they took him to a private dispensary thrice, spending a borrowed sum of PKR 5,000 (approximately USD 18), but Rahman’s condition did not improve.
Desperate and running out of options, the family learned about the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Centre at Rural Health Centre (RHC) Nara Gate (in the same union council as their village). They met Khursheed, a staff nurse at the centre who carefully reviewed Rahman’s medical history and prescribed a new medication. For the first time, Rahman’s condition began to improve within a week. By the second visit, his parents were surprised by his swift recovery.
“We were worried about his health, but the free medication and quality care at Nara Gate helped him recover within just one week,” Rahman’s parents remarked. “We were struggling to afford treatment, but CWSA’s intervention saved us from financial ruin. Rahman’s recovery is a testament to their dedication and care.”
The family’s initial hesitation stemmed from their distrust of government healthcare facilities, often viewed as poorly equipped and understaffed. However, their experience at RHC Nara Gate changed these assumptions. The facility provided free treatment and delivered services with dignity and respect. This positive experience inspired the family to advocate for the facility within their community. Rahman’s recovery encouraged others to trust and utilise the healthcare services at RHC Nara Gate.
Since CWSA revitalised RHC Nara Gate in March 2023, it has served as a lifeline for the community. The centre, operational five days a week from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offers essential services such as primary healthcare and MNCH programs. In partnership with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), CWSA has provided healthcare services and free medication to over 15,942 patients between August and October 2024, transforming lives in Taluka Nara.
Rahman has now recovered and is in good health. He has returned to school and enjoys playing with his siblings and friends in the village. His parents, once burdened with worry, now dream of a brighter future for their son.
“We want him to continue his education and build a better life for himself,” said his father with a hopeful smile.
Rahman’s story highlights the power of accessible, quality healthcare to save lives and restore faith in public systems. Owing to CWSA and its partners’ efforts, RHC Nara Gate has become a trusted resource for the community, embodying the promise of dignity, respect, and equity in healthcare. Families like Rahman’s now have hope that even in times of crisis, help is within reach.
Under a shade, steel plates filled with warm, homemade meals wait for the children at around 11:00 AM on a hot summer day. Bananas and apples rest on the side, a rare treat for the students who eagerly gather for lunch. The aroma of freshly cooked roti (flat bread) and mixed vegetables drifts through the air as Soorma, one of the school cooks, ladles food onto each plate. Her daughter, Bhawna, watches eagerly—today’s meal, like every other, means more than just nourishment. It represents a new chapter in the village’s journey towards education and empowerment.
For years, Government Girls’ Primary School Ratnore lay abandoned, its doors closed in 2008, leaving most of the village’s girls without access to education. Ratnore is about 45 kilometres away from the main Umerkot city in Sindh. Cultural and economic barriers, coupled with the ever-present struggle against food insecurity, made it nearly impossible for families to send their daughters to school. However, that changed when Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with the support of Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D), stepped in. By reopening the school and launching a school feeding programme, they not only filled empty stomachs but also rekindled a thirst for learning.
Inside the makeshift school kitchen, Soorma kneads dough, sweat trickling down her forehead in the midday heat. She and another village woman prepare fresh meals daily, a task she wholeheartedly embraces, knowing her daughter and many others will eat well.
“My daughter Bhawna always wanted to study, but there was no school for girls here,” Soorma says, rolling out a roti before tossing it onto the hot griddle. “When the school finally opened, the lunch programme made it easier for us to send her. Now, she is happy, learning English, and dreams of becoming a doctor.”
Bhawna, a bright-eyed eight-year-old, echoes her mother’s pride. “I love coming to school! The food is always delicious, and I want to keep studying,” she says.
The school feeding programme also includes fresh goat milk every afternoon before lunch. Meena, a local goat owner, arrives early to deliver the milk, a task she has taken upon herself with unwavering commitment. She is among the 30 women from different households of the village who have received goats to support the school. In the evening, the owners use the milk for their families.
“I bring milk for the children every day because I want my daughter and all the other girls to grow up strong and educated,” she says. “Even if my goat’s milk runs out, I borrow some from my neighbours—this is my responsibility.”
For Meena, education is a family mission. Her eldest son is studying to become a doctor, while her younger children are also pursuing school. “We couldn’t study because of poverty,” she says, “but I will do everything I can to give my children a better future.”
Before the school feeding programme, many children had one meal a day or relied on simple meals at home—if lucky. Rabia, a student, recalls a time before school became part of her daily routine.
“When we didn’t attend school, we only had cow’s milk and a few vegetables like guar and chibhar,” she says. “Now, we eat a proper meal every day, and I enjoy studying.”
For her classmates Sapna and Raksha, the change is life-altering. “We come to school happily now, knowing we’ll get a good meal. Our health has improved, and more girls in our village are joining school,” they explain. “And we love biryani which is cooked once a week here and is very tasty!”
The impact extends beyond individual students. From January to December 2024, the project implemented in the Union Councils of Kaplore, Sekhro, and Faqeer Abdullah ensured that 450 students across three schools in Umerkot received nutritious meals. Parents who were once hesitant about sending their daughters to school now feel reassured.
“People in our village didn’t prioritise girls’ education before,” says a Village Management Committee member (VMC) member. “But when CWSA involved us, we offered two community halls to host the school. Now, 1201 girls are enrolled.”
The initiative has also created economic opportunities for local women. Besides Soorma, another village woman Dheli has been employed as a school helper, responsible for serving food and cleaning. The women are incentivised by being paid PKR 25,000 each. Even the government has collaborated—after the school reopened, the District Education Officer (DEO) provided an additional teacher from the village.
For too long, hunger and gender inequality kept girls out of classrooms. But through this programme, education and nutrition have become intertwined, breaking long-standing barriers. The meals provide more than sustenance—they offer a reason to attend school, a chance to dream, and a path toward independence.
As Bhawna finishes her lunch and wipes her hands clean, she runs off to join her friends, ready for the next lesson. In a village where education was once an afterthought for girls, the clang of steel plates and students’ laughter are sounds of change—proof that something as simple as a meal can redefine futures.
On average, 95 to 100 girls attend the school. However, attendance tends to be lower during the seasonal crop harvesting period. ↩︎
In a remote village in Umerkot District, Sindh, 45-year-old Zulikhan fights every day to provide for her eight children— aged between 17 and 5 years. With agriculture as their only livelihood, her family depends on a small four-acre plot of land. But as harsh climatic conditions worsen and resources remain scarce, the struggle to survive grows more daunting with each passing season.
The agricultural land that Zulikhan and her family cultivate generates an annual income of PKR 120,000 (approx. USD 428) from seasonal crops such as millet, cluster beans, and moth beans—planted once each year. However, this modest income falls far short of covering the family’s monthly expenses, which amount to PKR 25,000 (approx. USD 90). To bridge the gap, Zulikhan’s husband, Sohbdar, takes on additional work selling wood, earning between PKR 12,000 to 15,000 (approx. USD 42 to 53) per month. Yet, despite his extra efforts, the family continues to struggle to meet even their most basic needs. Their monthly expenses add up to a minimum of 20,000 (approx. USD 72) for food and PKR 5,000 (approx. USD 18) for necessities such as water, healthcare, and hygiene maintenance. And the expenses are usually more than this.
To support vulnerable communities affected by severe climate change impact and subsequent poverty and food insecurity, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), with the support of Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), launched an initiative titled, “Strengthening the Livelihoods and Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Communities in Rural Sindh, Pakistan” in June 2024. Lasting up until August 2025, the interventions under this project aim to enhance the resilience of these affected communities by improving agricultural and livelihood opportunities in the area.
A total of 460 community members from 15 villages across Union Councils Sekhro and Faqeer Abdullah were carefully selected for assistance based on strict criteria, prioritising large, agriculture-dependent families living below the poverty line. Among them was Zulikhan’s family, chosen to receive a goat to support long-term livelihood sustainability, along with PKR 17,000 (approx. USD 61) in cash assistance for food security, provided in October and November. To ease the burden of water collection, the family was also given water rollers, while kitchen gardening kits and high-quality seeds were provided to promote home-based food production.
As part of the initiative, Zulikhan and her family participated in comprehensive training sessions on agriculture, livestock management, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) to strengthen their resilience and improve productivity. Additionally, livestock vaccinations and deworming services were provided to ensure the health and productivity of their animals.
The kitchen gardening kit included essential tools such as a hand sprinkler, hand hoe, garden trowel, nets, and 50 grams each of seven different vegetable seeds, equipping Zulikhan and other families with the resources to grow fresh, nutritious food at home, enhancing both food security and self-sufficiency.
The cash assistance provided by CWSA has been a lifeline for Zulikhan and her family, helping ease their financial struggles. With the first installment, she prioritised purchasing essential groceries like oil, tea leaves, and sugar, ensuring her family had enough food to sustain them. Upon receiving the second installment, she saw an opportunity to create a more stable source of income by starting a small business selling goods, allowing her to cover her household’s daily expenses and work toward greater financial independence.
From the second instalment of PKR 17,000 (approx. USD 61), Zulikhan decided to invest in purchasing confectionery items at wholesale rates. Given that the village had only one shop, which often lacked essential goods, she recognised an unmet demand within the community. Seeing this as an opportunity, she made a strategic decision to start a small-scale business from her home, selling these items to her neighbours. Setting up a small shop just within her house, she was able to generate additional income while providing villagers with easier access to everyday necessities. This initiative turned out to be a strategic and rewarding choice, enabling her to set aside small savings while actively contributing to her family’s financial stability.
Meanwhile, Zulikhan continues to run her small home-based shop, earning between PKR 200 to 300 (approx. USD 0.70 to 1.70) per day. On average, she generates an additional PKR 8,000 (approx. USD 28) per month from this business. Despite her efforts and the support from the project, the total household income barely covers their essential expenses, but at least they are not in debt now.
However, with the support of Community World Service Asia (CWSA) and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), Zulikhan’s family has seen a significant improvement in their monthly income and livelihood. The combination of cash assistance, agricultural training, and resource distribution has provided them with the means to strengthen their food security and economic stability.
Driven by her unwavering determination to secure a better future for her family, Zulikhan is committed to growing her small business, ensuring they no longer struggle with daily household expenses. But beyond financial relief, this initiative has fostered a sense of empowerment, resilience, and independence within her household. It has given them not just the means to survive, but the confidence to build a more self-reliant and secure future—one where they can thrive with dignity and hope.
Imamzadi and her husband Irshad Ali of village Bakshan Metlo, about 17 kilometres west of Khairpur city, own one acre of land and work another acre for a landlord. The harvest of the latter is shared on a fifty-fifty basis between them and the owner. However, the system is inequitable because if a calamity occurs and the crops are lost, the landlord does not share the loss. That is what happened in the great deluge of 2022.
They have only two children, a son and a daughter. In a milieu where a dozen or more children are taken as security for old age, Imamzadi says they had two because they thought it would be easier to feed and educate them. She recognises the reality that more working hands also mean a greater number of mouths to feed and it squares out in the end. Also, when they grow up, sons and daughters are of no help because they have their own families to feed and the same poverty to struggle against. “Two children are better,” she says.
In December 2024, she was a happy woman, because for the first time in her life, she was only under a loan of about PKR 20,000 (approx. USD 70.75), and her fresh young wheat and vegetable patch were looking good. She could not say ‘CWSA’ but used the word idaro (organisation) and it is because of this idaro that she was burdened only so lightly.
She explains that every sowing season, they hire a tractor to plough and obtain seeds on loan on the understanding that the creditor will be repaid after the harvest. In between if they ever need insecticides, those too are on credit. They never used fertiliser only because they could not afford it even if doing without it meant harvesting just about 600 kilograms of wheat per acre.
Back in 2022, after she and Irshad had harvested their wheat and paid off their loan, they prepared their land for sorghum and things looked good when it began to sprout. As the first rains began in July that year, the couple rejoiced, for the timing was perfect. But it rained and rained and rained endlessly and soon their young sorghum was under a metre of water. Four weeks of non stop rain wiped out everything they had on their meagre two acres. Without a harvest, Imamzadi and Irshad Ali fell into a debt of PKR 50,000 (approx. USD 176.87).
For a whole year, the couple kept body and soul together working as labourers where needed. In fact, Irshad Ali spent most of his time in nearby towns and even in Khairpur city where he worked on construction sites where he used to earn a daily wage of PKR 500 (approx. USD 1.8) . If they had lost their crops in the floods, others were deprived of the roofs above their heads and there was frantic rebuilding activity where Irshad was able to lend a hand for a few hundred rupees a day.
“If he got work in the city, Irshad would return with some flour and vegetables and a little cash. Then we would eat, but even so, that was not like before. There was very little food for a whole year,” says Imamzadi. As for herself, she earned around PKR 250 (approx. USD 0.9) by cutting 40kg of grass and selling it for fodder. If rainwater had killed off crops, at least it produced this abundance of grasses.
There was no wheat sowing in November 2022 because of waterlogging. The sorghum harvest in the summer of 2023 provided the family just about enough to sell for cash and keep some for food. But later that year, a project supported by Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Community World Service Asia (CWSA), brought its first round of farming input for Imamzadi’s family, among others affected by the floods of 2022. There was cash to pay for the tractor to plough and ample seed for the two-acre spread together with fertiliser. The wheat harvest in April 2024 yielded some 1,200 kilograms of wheat per acre.
Imamzadi says this was the first time they had used fertiliser which gave them the bumper crop. After settling with the landlord and selling some of their harvests for cash, they had enough grain to last them through the year. Very judiciously, the couple had also kept aside enough grain to be used as seed for the sowing in November 2024.
With an equanimity that comes from a life of hardship, Imamzadi recounts the only setback of 2024. The family owns 12 date palms, the fruit of which they sometimes process to make chhuvara, the cooked version of date. This past summer the couple had planned not to sell their standing crop for a lower price but to process and sell for better profit. As it was, the harvest had been stunted because of the past year’s waterlogging and just when the prepared fruit was drying in the sun, a short spell of rain damaged it. They could sell it only for half the usual price, about PKR 1,200 (approx. USD 4.24) per 40 kilogram.
When quizzed on how she looks at this loss, Imamzadi says, “What is life without its ups and downs?” And it is not as bad as it might seem for they did not have to invest any money in their date trees and they nevertheless made a profit on the chhuvara. “Next year perhaps there will be a better harvest,” she adds thoughtfully.
However, with the sprouted wheat looking good, Imamzadi had a whole acre of vegetables from seed provided under the project. “This is the first time we have no loan to clear when we harvest our vegetables and wheat. And with our own vegetables doing so well, our food is so much better than ever before,” says a very satisfied Imamzadi.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a heatwave alert, forecasting a sharp rise in temperatures across much of the country. Daytime temperatures are expected to surge significantly, with Sindh and Balochistan projected to experience an increase of 6 to 8°C above normal levels. In some areas of Sindh, temperatures could soar as high as 46 to 48°C, posing serious risks to public health and well-being1. Authorities urge residents to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of extreme heat.
In Sindh’s Umerkot district, the heatwave is already intensifying, with temperatures expected to reach 47°C in the coming days. Unusually, this spike has occurred nearly a month earlier than the typical onset in mid-May, with extreme conditions beginning in mid-April. The heatwave is projected to persist through April, May, and June2.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The heatwave is disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, including pregnant and lactating women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, individuals with chronic health conditions, and daily wage labourers exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. In Umerkot, these risks are exacerbated by limited access to clean drinking water, electricity, and healthcare services. Women, in particular, face increased burdens during such climate extremes, necessitating urgent, gender-sensitive interventions.
While no casualties have been reported so far, communities are facing major disruptions to daily life. Many residents remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, and CWSA health dispensaries have recorded a sharp decline in patient visits after 12 PM, underscoring the severity of the conditions.
Identified Humanitarian Needs
Several critical humanitarian needs have been identified to safeguard the most vulnerable populations and reduce the impact of extreme heat:
Emergency Health Services
Deployment of Mobile Medical Units to reach pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses in remote areas.
Provision of first aid and hydration therapy for those experiencing symptoms of heatstroke and dehydration.
Increased staffing and supplies at existing health dispensaries to manage potential surges in heat-related illnesses.
Access to Safe Drinking Water
Installation of temporary water stations in public spaces and high-risk areas.
Distribution of water containers and purification tablets to households with poor water access.
Ensuring clean water supply at schools, health facilities, and community centres.
Community Awareness and Behavioural Change
Mass awareness campaigns on heat safety, symptoms of heat exhaustion/stroke, and dehydration prevention.
Targeted education sessions through Village Management Committees (VMCs), particularly for women and children.
Promotion of protective behaviours, such as avoiding outdoor activities between 11:00 AM–4:00 PM, wearing light clothing, and staying hydrated.
Gender-Sensitive Support
Inclusion of women’s specific needs, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Safe and private access points for women at water stations and medical services.
Distribution of IEC materials tailored for women and girls on self-care during heatwaves.
Infrastructure and Shelter Support
Setting up shaded relief centres and cooling zones in public areas, markets, and near labour sites.
Distribution of cooling aids like fans, umbrellas, and cloth shades for households.
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) Response
Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has launched a targeted heatwave response in Umerkot, Sindh, in collaboration with the Village Management Committees (VMCs) that it engages with at the community level. Awareness sessions are being held with men, women, and children to share critical information on hydration, heat protection, and behavioural safety—particularly urging residents to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
The VMCs are playing a pivotal role in strengthening community resilience by disseminating life-saving information and ensuring protection for the most at-risk populations. CWSA is also distributing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and offering first aid to affected individuals through its three operational health dispensaries.
In coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), District Administration, and Health Department, CWSA is supporting plans to establish relief camps at hospitals and key public locations. These camps will provide access to clean drinking water, shade, and emergency medical care. Additionally, CWSA is prepared to deploy its Mobile Health Units, equipped with essential supplies, to provide outreach services across the desert union councils of Umerkot.
To address the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the region, CWSA aims to implement long-term resilience measures:
Establishment of community-based heatwave preparedness camps.
Creation of permanent heat resilience hubs in high-risk areas.
Training of Lady Health Workers and community volunteers in first aid, hydration therapy, and early detection of heat-related illness.
Regular early warning sessions and public awareness campaigns.
Collaboration with PDMA/DDMA and local media to ensure timely dissemination of heatwave alerts.
Ongoing community education on dehydration prevention, heatstroke symptoms, and protective behaviours.
In collaboration with our partner, ACT Church of Sweden, we have organised a series of Webinars on “Adapting Responsibly and Ethically to the Changing Funding Landscape”
The series aims to explore how humanitarian and development actors can adapt responsibly and ethically in the face of shrinking resources, shifting donor priorities, and escalating needs. Through diverse perspectives—from local leadership to global accountability standards—it seeks to deepen collective understanding of what it takes to remain community-centred, principled, and effective amidst funding uncertainty.
Webinar 2: Adapting Responsibly – Accountability and Quality in Uncertain Times
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The keynote speaker Bonaventure Gbétoho Sokpoh is a Policy and Outreach Senior Advisor at CHS Alliance, where he leads the development and implementation of the organisation’s localisation strategy. His work focuses on strengthening the participation and influence of national NGOs within the humanitarian system, promoting equitable partnerships and local leadership. With a strong commitment to accountability and quality, Bonaventure advocates for the widespread adoption of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) to enhance transparency, learning, and continuous improvement across the sector. Through his leadership, he supports the humanitarian community in building more inclusive, effective, and people-centered responses.
The webinar will be moderated by Uma Narayanan, an expert on quality and accountability within the humanitarian and development sectors, with a strong focus on the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Sphere Standards. She has collaborated with organizations to integrate accountability into their work, strengthen staff capacity, and apply simple, practical approaches to quality and safeguarding.
Please if you can also circulate this information in your organisation and network, it would be much appreciated.
In collaboration with our partner, ACT Church of Sweden, we have organised a series of Webinars on “Adapting Responsibly and Ethically to the Changing Funding Landscape.”
The series aims to explore how humanitarian and development actors can adapt responsibly and ethically in the face of shrinking resources, shifting donor priorities, and escalating needs. Through diverse perspectives—from local leadership to global accountability standards—it seeks to deepen collective understanding of what it takes to remain community-centred, principled, and effective amidst funding uncertainty.
Webinar 1: Strengthening Local Partnerships for Long-Term Resilience
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The keynote speaker, Sudhanshu Shekhar, Founder and CEO, Humanitarian Aid International (HAI) is a humanitarian and development professional with over 34 years global experience, he was involved in managing responses to almost all major disasters in the Asia Pacific region during 2001. Sudhanshu has been closely engaged with key global processes including Agenda for Humanity, Grand Bargain and Charter for Change. He is one of the founders and international coordinator of Alliance for Empowering Partnerships (A4EP). Sudhanshu has authored numerous papers published nationally and globally.
The webinar will be moderated by Uma Narayanan, an expert on quality and accountability within the humanitarian and development sectors, with a strong focus on the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Sphere Standards. She has collaborated with organizations to integrate accountability into their work, strengthen staff capacity, and apply simple, practical approaches to quality and safeguarding.
We look forward to your participation in the webinar.
The recent funding cuts in the humanitarian sector have led to program closures, staff reductions, and disrupted services—deeply affecting both aid workers and communities.
We want to hear from you. Whether you’re currently working or have been affected by these changes, your voice matters.
