Pakistan flood appeal

The massive floods that have hit Pakistan over the past two months are the worst in living memory. Millions are homeless. Vast areas devastated. Thousands suffer from water-borne disease and the threat of cholera looms – while the WHO estimates 1/5 of health facilities are damaged. Governments and international agencies are working to address the situation, but the needs are overwhelming.

As part of a worldwide fellowship of Christian doctors, we uniquely have direct contact with local doctors handling the crisis in their hospitals. We are partnering with two Christian hospitals in remote areas where local CMF members are struggling to meet the needs of the flood victims around them.

Pennell Memorial Christian Hospital (PMCH), Bannu
Founded in 1892 by a CMS doctor, PMCH is an 80 bedded hospital on the edge of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas bordering Afghanistan. There are 2,000 families in a nearby camp for internally displaced people (IDPs). Christians and Hindus are minority groups and the poorest section of the population - PMCH is caring for 200 of these families, providing food and medical care.

The Medical Superintendent, Dr Nadeem Hidayat, writes:
'Many NGOs are afraid to work in these areas. Due to security issues, it's difficult for me to leave the hospital – I am visiting flood victims with a van full of army guards. The former Medical Superintendent was kidnapped by the Taliban. But by the grace of God we are safe. It is my pleasure that we treat many war wounded Taliban in our hospital so we have a good reputation in this area.'

Kunhar Christian Hospital (KCH), Mansehra District
KCH is a 20 bedded hospital founded in 2000 by Haroon Lal Din, a local doctor who saw the need for healthcare in this northern district of Pakistan. The hospital is just off the new highway cutting through the Himalayas linking Pakistan with China. Most of its patients are the Muslim population of this mountain area. It was one of the few buildings still standing after the Kashmir earthquake of 2005, and CMF members in the UK generously supported its work treating those injured. Our giving then also prepared for the long term: the new satellite communications system we gave has now kept KCH in contact with the outside world - when all other telecommunications have been destroyed in the flood.

Once again, KCH is the only hospital in the area with electricity, able to provide emergency obstetric care. They are giving free treatment in the hospital to those affected by the flood, and distributing food and clothing to the community.

How can you help?
Help us raise £20,000 to provide food and medical supplies to these hospitals. On the basis of needs assessment we aim to give £16,000 to PCMH and £4,000 to KCH. Let's stand with them as they strive to serve flood victims in very tough situations, and bring God's love to suffering communities.
To donate online or see further details please visit www.cmf.org.uk/appeal/pakistan