Pakistan’s diverse physiographic setting exposes it to numerous natural and human-induced disasters, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, avalanches, and landslides, as well as bomb blasts, fires, and road accidents. These hazards, compounded by poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited emergency response mechanisms, have led to significant human and economic losses. The health sector, despite being a critical element in disaster management, has not been fully integrated into the country’s disaster risk management (DRM) framework.

Efforts to strengthen the health component in DRM have gained momentum post-2010 with the promulgation of the National Disaster Management Act. However, health integration into DRM policies and practices remains a work in progress. Recognizing this gap, the National Action Plan for Health in Disaster Risk Reduction was developed, guided by the seven principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). These principles emphasize health system resilience, cross-sectoral collaboration, investments in health infrastructure, and the inclusion of health education and data in DRM strategies.

The Action Plan was crafted through consultations with stakeholders from national and provincial levels under the auspices of disaster management authorities. It outlines three implementation phases: short-term (2017-2020), medium-term (2020-2023), and long-term (2023-2027). The phased approach ensures systematic integration of health into national and sub-national DRM policies while addressing existing disparities in health infrastructure across provinces. This comprehensive roadmap aims to create resilient health systems capable of effectively responding to disasters, thereby enhancing community well-being and reducing disaster-induced vulnerabilities.