Plan is working to ensure that children stay safe in the camps

25 August 2010: Plan is stepping up its child protection work in the Pakistan flood camps as fears grow for the health and safety of children.

Thousands of displaced families are now crammed into unhygienic camps, which poses a serious threat to children.

Plan's country director in Pakistan, Haider Waseem Yaqub, said: "There are limited arrangements for families' security and safety and the likelihood of children being abducted and abused can be a serious issue as camps start to overcrowd. I believe we have to act quickly and effectively to protect the vulnerable.

"Families are being registered on their arrival in the camps in some districts, however absolutely no attention has been given to child protection issues.”

Listen to Haider speaking about child protection on The World Today, BBC World Service.

Safety first

Women and children make up the majority of the people in the camps as the men head home to salvage what they can from their flood-ravaged homes. But without both parents around many children can get separated from their mothers amid the confusion of the camps.

Plan staff  are raising awareness of child protection issues with volunteers and parents in the camps through training, posters, and orientation sessions. Thousands of child protection leaflets have already been distributed. 

Health support

A Plan-supported health and hygiene session in a relief camp in Muzaffargarh

Health and hygiene is also fast becoming a serious issue with a huge increase in incidences of waterborne diseases and insect and snake bites.

Dr Irfan Ahmed, Plan's health advisor in Pakistan, said: “The current situation can lead to a steep increase in the incidences of diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, heat stroke and skin diseases.

"Urgent measures are needed to address the needs of the millions of children whose lives are at risk.”

Plan action

Plan is distributing hygiene kits in 6 districts of Punjab and Sindh, containing disinfectant, detergent, sanitary towels, toothpaste and other essential items.

To date Plan has provided cooked food to over 223,000 people, distributed special child nutrition packs, set up tents to provide families with shelter, and installed water hand pumps in the camps.

Psychosocial support sessions are also being run for children experiencing distress caused by the disaster.

Please help us continue this vital work by supporting the Pakistan floods appeal today.