Health For All

Pakistan continues to grapple with significant health challenges due to an inadequate healthcare system. SCF implements programs to address health disparities, particularly for marginalized women and youth.

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Thatta district has suffered from recurrent climate-induced disasters, including cyclones, floods, and sea intrusion, which have had devastating effects on agriculture, health, and natural ecosystems. The August 2022 floods further deepened vulnerabilities. The district's fragile healthcare system has been severely impacted, with women and girls disproportionately affected. Low health-seeking behavior, especially in antenatal care, reproductive health, and gender-based health awareness, has contributed to poor outcomes.

Recognizing these challenges, Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) has implemented various programs focusing on reproductive health services, HIV awareness, mental health support, and climate resilience in health systems.

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Health and Family Planning Camps

The devastation caused by climate disasters placed an additional burden on women and girls, many of whom faced severe difficulties accessing reproductive health services while living in temporary shelters after the floods. To respond to this critical need, SCF organized reproductive health mobile camps in five flood-affected districts of Sindh.

These camps provided urgent medical and reproductive health assistance to 1,220 women and girls. The initiative ensured access to essential maternal health services, contraceptives, and emergency healthcare, significantly improving health outcomes for women in crisis situations.

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HIV and Health Awareness Among Young People

Pakistan has seen a concerning rise in HIV cases, with an estimated 210,000 people living with HIV as of 2021. Sindh remains one of the hardest-hit provinces, with Hyderabad and Larkana emerging as major hotspots. A 2019 outbreak in Ratodero taluka of Larkana district saw over 1,100 residents, including 900 children, testing positive due to unsafe medical practices. To address gaps, SCF launched an HIV awareness campaign targeting young people in Hyderabad and Larkana.

Through 10 interactive sessions, SCF reached 200 young individuals, educating them on HIV transmission, prevention, and the importance of regular testing. The initiative aimed to break the stigma surrounding HIV and encourage young people to access health services without fear of discrimination.

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Youth-Led Mental Health Awareness Campaign

Mental health remains a neglected public health issue in Pakistan, with an estimated 50 million people suffering from mental health disorders. As a member of the Global Mental Health Action Network, SCF has launched youth-led initiatives to promote mental well-being.

SCF trained a cohort of 30 young individuals on mental health, with a specific focus on the psychological impact of environmental degradation. These trained youth leaders conducted peer awareness sessions, reaching 800 young people across various communities. SCF distributed informational materials and created an online peer support group for young people to seek guidance and discuss mental health concerns in a safe space.

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Advancing the Leadership of Women and Girls in Health and Climate Change Resilience – The SURMI Project

In partnership with Pathfinder International, SCF is implementing the SURMI project in Thatta, focusing on the intersection of women's health, reproductive rights, and climate resilience. The project is designed to address reproductive health morbidity, maternal and child healthcare gaps, and climate-induced vulnerabilities by developing a network of 120 trained community champions.

These champions conduct community awareness campaigns on climate change adaptation strategies and community-driven disaster risk reduction planning. The project establishes a Multi-Sectoral Committee (MSC) at the district level, bringing together departments, NGOs, and community champions. Through community volunteers and Climate Champions linked with Basic Health Units, Taluka Hospitals, and the District Headquarters Hospital in Thatta, 4,500 individuals were referred for family planning services, SRH, and maternal healthcare. 1,340 women successfully accessed family planning services across 25 Union Councils. Over 33,627 beneficiaries will receive comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services, and 44,400 married women of reproductive age will benefit from improved healthcare access.

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Rahbar: Engaging Male Caregivers for Improved Immunization

Supported by Jhpiego, the Rahbar Project introduced a gender-transformative approach that encouraged fathers to take greater responsibility in child health and immunization decisions. Implemented in Patel Para, Baloch Para, and Jahangeer Road areas, the initiative engaged 112 male caregivers of children aged 1–11 months through 11 structured learning sessions reaching 120 households. Sessions focused on routine immunization awareness, shared parenting responsibilities, gender-equitable decision-making, and improved communication between spouses regarding child health. SCF strengthened linkages between vaccinators, Lady Health Workers (LHWs), and communities.

The initiative contributed to improved knowledge and positive behavioral changes among fathers. Male caregivers demonstrated increased awareness of immunization schedules and greater involvement in accompanying their children to vaccination centers, resulting in improved immunization follow-up and reduced missed vaccination cases.

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