Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - “In the tragedy of displacement, women are among the most vulnerable victims. The danger of diseases and epidemics is growing. Women who become ill, however, are often not accompanied by doctors and do not receive treatment for cultural reasons. According to tradition and local practices, they should only be visited by female doctors. Despite efforts of many local and international organizations in the health sector, the number of women doctors are few. So, oftentimes the women are denied care. We are calling on all female doctors around the world to come and help Pakistani women. This is the appeal made through Fides by Anila Gill, Executive Secretary of Caritas Pakistan.
Ms. Gill has just returned to Lahore after a reconnaissance mission in five dioceses, where she reviewed the work of aid and assistance carried out by Caritas Pakistan. She tells Fides: "The goal is to reach out to over 3,000 families in five dioceses. In the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, we are active mainly in the north, near Nochera, where we work in partnership with a local NGO. In Multan, we are concentrated in three districts. We have reached several villages in Quetta and in Hyderabad we are assisting refugees in two districts. In Karachi, the biggest problem is that of thousands of refugees who have flocked to the city, where we have our volunteers working. Our mission is to distribute food, water, and tents to the people," she says.
The work of Caritas takes place "through the local Caritas, with over 200 volunteers around the country, and in collaboration with partners of Caritas Internationalis. We have launched an appeal for 1.7 million euros needed for emergency aid. Nearly 45% of it has arrived, so we encourage donors to continue helping."
Anila Gill warns of "speculation, corruption, and false NGOs that want to exploit the tragedy to divert funds," and reiterates that "the credibility of Caritas is clearly established and unquestioned, even in a predominantly Islamic country like Pakistan. Even the mass media and various institutions have expressed their appreciation and confidence in our work."
On the effects of the tragedy, the head of Caritas tells Fides: "We do not know when it will end and how to continue our work. For now, the focus is on emergency food and healthcare. But, winter is coming and the refugees will have to face the cold. People want to start returning to their villages, but the houses have been destroyed. Therefore, we will need help to rebuild houses and infrastructures, especially for the poorest. We count on the help of all Catholic communities around the world."
The UN World Food Program (WFP) has spoken of a "triple threat" to the 17 million displaced persons: hunger, homelessness, and despair. The work of Caritas volunteers is also to bring comfort and psychological support to those affected, helping them emerge from the anguish and deep despair. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 01/09/2010)
