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.

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. Sindh remains one of the hardest-hit provinces. 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.

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 and its impact on women's health. The project engages 58,972 community members, including 4,500 community elders. Over 33,627 beneficiaries will receive comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services. Furthermore, 44,400 married women of reproductive age will benefit from improved healthcare access, family planning services, and enhanced knowledge on personal health management.

SCF has established strong linkages between communities and local health facilities. A total of 4,500 cases were successfully referred for family planning services, SRH, and pre- and postnatal care across 25 union councils in District Thatta.

Rahbar: Engaging Male Caregivers for Improved Immunization Outcomes

SCF successfully implemented the Rahbar Project in Karachi East with Jhpiego support, introducing a gender-transformative approach that actively engaged male caregivers in promoting child immunization and equitable health services. The initiative marked a strategic shift by directly involving fathers as responsible partners in child health.

A total of 112 eligible male caregivers were selected. Over four months, SCF implemented 11 structured sessions reaching 120 households, focusing on importance of routine immunization, shared parental responsibility, gender-equitable decision-making, and household-level health planning. Fathers demonstrated improved knowledge regarding immunization schedules and greater involvement in accompanying children to vaccination centers.

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