Over 5,000 inhabitants, especially women, must have direct access to safe, clean and climate-adapted healthcare
Access to reliable and climate-resilient health and sanitation services has become critical for communities along Sindh’s coastal belt, where poverty, heat waves and recurring floods continue to endanger lives.
To address this, Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) with the support of Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) has inaugurated a number of sanitation and health infrastructure facilities under “Restoration of Social Services and Climate Resilience” in Union Councils Garho and Bijoro, District Thatta.
The facilities, including eco-friendly waiting areas, solar energy systems, medical equipment for women’s health and 60 toilets across five villages, are centered around the Basic Health Unit (BHU) Garho. These facilities will directly benefit over 5,000 residents, particularly women, by improving access to safe, clean and climate-adapted healthcare.
Speaking at the inauguration, MNA Sadiq Memon said, “Climate resilient infrastructure is the need of the hour. As climate change and poverty destroy coastal life, strengthening health systems, sanitation facilities and local infrastructure is essential for a resilient and dignified future.”
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He described the newly developed facilities as a model of effective collaboration between local communities, civil society and development partners, noting that climate-smart infrastructure protects the health and dignity of vulnerable populations.
SCF Managing Director Javed Hussain said the coastal region is facing the harsh realities of climate change, with frequent disasters and health crises becoming the norm. “With PPAF’s support, SCF has established climate-responsive health and sanitation facilities built to function in extreme weather conditions. These low-carbon, solar-powered structures, made from local eco-friendly materials, ensure uninterrupted services,” he said.
He added that drainage ditches have been constructed around BHU Garho to address floods and waterlogging, ensuring year-round accessibility. He stressed that public infrastructure should increasingly use local and natural materials to reduce carbon emissions and preserve biodiversity.
The ceremony was attended by Thatta Deputy District Health Officer Dr. Rehana Yasmeen, Assistant Commissioner Ghora Bari Faraz Abbasi, Social Welfare Additional Director KB Bahrani, PPHI District Manager Rehman Gul and others. Rehman Gul lauded SCF’s efforts and said the solarized systems and sanitation arrangements would improve hygiene and ensure continuous healthcare, especially during night deliveries.
