In times of crisis and disaster, swift and effective response is crucial to mitigate suffering and provide immediate relief to affected communities. Dua Foundation’s Emergency Relief Program is designed to address urgent needs and offer support during emergencies, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely aid.

Objectives

• Immediate Assistance: The program aims to deliver essential supplies such as food, clean water, medical care, and shelter to those impacted by natural disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies.
• Rapid Response: Utilizing a network of local and international partners, the program ensures a prompt and coordinated response to crises, minimizing delays in aid delivery.
• Long-Term Recovery: Beyond immediate relief, the program supports recovery efforts by providing resources for rebuilding and restoring essential services and infrastructure.

Key Components

• Disaster Relief Supplies: The program distributes vital supplies including food packages, water, hygiene kits, and medical supplies to affected communities.
• Medical Assistance: Emergency medical teams are deployed to provide healthcare services, including first aid, vaccinations, and treatment for injuries and illnesses.
• Shelter and Housing: Temporary shelters and housing solutions are offered to displaced families to ensure their safety and protection.
• Psychosocial Support: Recognizing the trauma that emergencies can inflict, the program provides psychological support and counseling to help individuals cope with stress and loss.
• Coordination and Logistics: Effective management of logistics and coordination with local authorities and humanitarian organizations ensures efficient distribution of aid and prevents duplication of efforts.

Recent Initiatives

 Corona

Dua Foundation initiated the distribution of PPEs to the frontline doctors and other medical staff in the very first days of COVID-19. All the precautionary and preventive gear including N95 masks, gloves, surgical masks, safety goggles, gowns, face shields, inspection boxes, and sanitizers were provided to more than 50 public sector and charitable hospitals in Sindh and KPK. Through the outbreak of COVID-19 telemedicine, a helpline was established and thermal guns, oxi-meters, oxygen cylinders, and other healthcare apparatus were provided to hospitals and private patients quarantined at homes. A bunch of essential PPEs was also provided to the staff of graveyards in Karachi. Thermal guns and sanitizers were also provided in various schools in KPK and Sindh.

Flood Relief

We also work to support city management in weather incidents storms, urban flooding, fire incidents, heatwaves, and other accidents. We intend to develop a training institute for rescue & relief and disaster risk reduction for the youth in the various cities of Pakistan. Dua Foundation established a well-equipped emergency task group to serve in floods. The emergency task group includes first aid specialists, a dewatering unit that works in rain emergencies, and a spraying team to serve during outbreaks of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases. We are also prepared to take challenges to face any of the suspected epidemics.

Heat Wave

Heat waves are feared in Karachi and the weather seems all intent on taking a worrisome turn towards hot and horrid conditions. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the heat wave in Karachi will persist long in the future, and advised to take precautionary measures to beat the heat.  Citizens have been advised to stay indoors and not venture out in the sun unnecessarily during heat waves. The Met department has also asked citizens to increase their intake of water to prevent a heat stroke fearing that there could be a severe heat wave in Karachi similar to the one in June 2015 which killed over 3,000 people in the city. In the heat waves that hit Karachi a majority of those who perished were the poor, the elderly, outdoor laborers, and the homeless. Half of them were women. Temperatures rose to 44.8 degrees Celsius, dropped slightly, and then shot up to 45 degrees putting millions in this mega-city at risk of heat stroke. As responsible citizens, we cannot rely only on the Government’s efforts Gaps are big Government cannot meet the targets alone. On the other hand majority of marginalized populations cannot stay at home due to their socio-economic condition people are helpless and have to go out to earn their livelihood. We set up water booths to rescue people during heat waves and facilitate emergency treatment for heat stroke victims.

How to Support

• • Donations: Financial contributions are crucial for sustaining and expanding the program’s reach. Donations can be made online through Dua Foundation’s website.
  • Volunteering: Individuals interested in contributing their time and skills can volunteer with Dua Foundation, supporting various aspects of the emergency relief efforts.
  • Partnerships: Organizations and businesses can partner with Dua Foundation to enhance the impact of the emergency relief program through collaboration and support.

Dua Foundation’s Emergency Relief Program is committed to providing timely and effective assistance during crises, helping communities recover and rebuild with resilience and hope.