Date of Award

12-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Policy and Management

First Advisor

Dr. Zafar Fatmi

Second Advisor

Dr. Ahsana Nazish

Third Advisor

Nousheen Pradhan

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: Since 1960, there have been around 10,480 documented occurrences of natural disasters globally. Floods are consistently the most frequent type of disaster, constituting approximately 5,000 events. Specifically in Pakistan, nineteen floods have been recorded over the past 60 years resulting in the loss of more than 10,000 lives and $30 billion. Following a flood event, there is a delayed impact on public health as cases of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue begin to emerge in the months thereafter. This results in an increased incidence of disease that further burdens healthcare systems already overwhelmed by flooding aftermath. Given this pressing need for effective measures to mitigate disease effects during future flooding events, this research aimed to study district Matiari’s health system preparedness for controlling flood-related malaria and dengue outbreaks.
Methodology: This study employed a mixed-methods approach. The document review was utilized to gain insight into existing policies, programs and action plans that serve as standards for the anticipated responsibilities of the healthcare system to prepare for combating the increased malaria and dengue burden due to floods. Facility assessments were carried out to determine the current health services available and preparedness level for future flood occurrences. Meanwhile, Key Informant Interviews provided a more profound understanding of the challenges, barriers, and/or facilitators that influence the district's health system preparedness in controlling flood-related malaria and dengue.
Findings: The results indicated that the district was ill-equipped to handle the rising cases of malaria and dengue due to floods, primarily because of inadequate incorporation of climate factors in planning, absence of preplanning initiatives and multi[1]sector collaboration, shortage of adequately trained healthcare personnel, and dependency on donors for resources.
Conclusion: The mixed-methods study identified gaps and positive points in the district’s health system preparedness for these diseases, which may be used to improve 5 malaria and dengue outcomes after flood events. It can also guide future research for flood preparedness in other districts and for other diseases.

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1

Last Page

144

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