AWARE Host Free Medical Camp in Umerkot to Combat Climate-Induced Health Crisis

UMERKOT, December 19, 2025 — As climate change continues to trigger extreme weather and rising health risks in Umerkot, the Association for Water, Applied Education & Renewable Energy (AWARE), in collaboration with Transparent Hands, organized a high-impact free medical camp in Village Mian Bhandi, UC Sabho/Koonjheli.

The initiative, funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) under the Restoring Social Services & Climate Resilience (RSSCR) Project, directly addresses the alarming rise in viral infections, malnutrition, and kidney stones among Women and children in the district.

Speaking at the site, Dr Rabia, Malnutrition specialist, noted that remote populations in Umerkot lack affordable healthcare, leading to high mortality rates. He emphasized that partnerships between state and non-government institutions are vital to reducing this plight.

Rajab Ali, Project Manager AWARE, added Climate change and past disasters like floods have stripped away the purchasing power of these communities.
Social Development Practitioner Nusrat Qambarni highlighted that local norms often prevent women from travelling to cities for medical care.

“This camp provides a rare and essential opportunity for women to receive treatment near their homes, breaking the invisible restrictions that impact their health,” she stated.
During the camp, 561 patients, including a high percentage of women and children, were treated Free medicines were distributed for common local ailments, including Pneumonia, Scabies, Hypertension, UTI, and ARI, Diagnostic Tests Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, and Hepatitis B & C screening, Vital Monitoring Sphygmomanometers (Blood Pressure) and general physical exams.

Local villagers urged the Health Department of Sindh to permanently enhance health services at the village level, as the cost of private healthcare continues to devastate the budgets of low-income families.

By prioritizing health as a basic human right, AWARE and its partners remain committed to building a healthier, climate-resilient nation by serving the most marginalized segments of society.