DROUGHT-LIKE SITUATION IN THARPARKAR

Situation Report

Updated as of March 21, 2014

Emergency Response and Relief Cell

THARDEEP RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

I- Situation in Tharparkar

Tharparkar district, which receives rainfall only during the monsoon season, witnessed scattered

and delayed rains during 2013 (see graph-I for annual rainfall comparison). The rain deficit in

parts of Tharparkar has resulted in less-than-average agriculture produce, and shortage of fodder

for livestock. The situation aggravated in the recent months with the outbreak of sheep pox

disease which has affected more than 42,000 sheep amidst complaints of inadequate livestock

vaccination coverage. Another important dimension in this humanitarian crisis, which has been

highlighted by the print and electronic media, is the apparent increase in under-5 mortality in

recent months. According to the data obtained from Civil Hospital, Mithi as many as 91 under-5

children died in the last five months, of which 49 were neonates who died within 28 days of birth.

One of the leading causes of mortalities has been reported to be pneumonia during relatively

harsh winter season.

It can be argued that the current drought-like situation has exacerbated as a result of socio-

economic imbalance in Tharparkar district, which has, undoubtedly, one of the lowest indicators

of food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, and human development in Sindh. The district is

predominantly arid and faces recurring droughts which has a direct bearing on the livelihoods

and well-being of desert dwellers.

It is imperative that, in addition to providing immediate relief to the affectees, a comprehensive

drought assessment be carried out so that the direction of relief work is evidence-backed. Since

the district is often at the mercy of rain failure and drought cycles, it is also prudent that a

medium- to long-term development Programme be designed to improve the situation in a

sustainable way.

Graph-I: Rainfall pattern in Tharparkar

186 210

6024

808

362

25 57

474

146103

298

161

1306

227190

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Annual Rainfall (mm) in TharparkarRecorded at Meteorological Observatory, Mithi

II- Analysis of Health Cases in Tharparkar

TRDP collected the data of mortality among children, from civil hospital, Mithi. The data period

was from October to February, 2014. Total deaths reported in the period are 91 and majority of

them belong to Mithi and its adjacent areas. Following is the breakup:

Table-II: Summary of deaths reported in civil hospital Mithi.

Majority of the deaths were reported in the month of December, 2013. However, there is decline

in the month of January and February, 2014 compare to the month of December, 2013. Following

is the graphical trend of mortality reported in the period.

From the age perspective majority of the deaths were reported in the neonatal category. A comparison of two years of cases reported in all health facilities of district Tharparkar is presented in Annex B.

S.No Name of Taluka Number

1 Chachro 8

2 Diplo 17

3 Mithi 63

4 Nagarparkar 3

Grand Total 91

10

14

26

18

23

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

October, 2013 November, 2013 December, 2013 January, 2014 February, 2014

Month wise Trend

III- TRDP RESPONSE

Support to Government:

In order to speed-up the relief response of the government, TRDP is providing support in various

fields to the government. Following is the summary:

Sharing of “Poverty Score Card” data in order to ensure the wheat distribution and

transparency of process in whole district of Tharparkar.

06 vehicles (4X4) with PoL for monitoring of food distribution and mobile medical camps.

Deployment of 16 staff (including 4 gynecologists) in 4 MCH centers and 02 dispensers

at Taluka Hospital Diplo.

Transfer of services of 8 veterinary doctors to district livestock department.

Arrange mobile camps jointly with district health department to provide medical services

in disadvantaged areas of Thar.

The inclusion of representatives from TRDP formed people’s institutions and village level

organizations, in the monitoring committees, formed by the district government.

TRDP is also raising awareness among communities regarding government announced

wheat package.

TRDPs own efforts:

TRDP has established a relief and monitoring cell at Head Office, Mithi.

TRDP is providing health services through mobile camps since 9th March, 2014 and have

provided medical services to 3,578 souls (722 Men, 1021 Women, 887 Boys and 948

Girls) in far flung villages of Abrai, Bhojani, Rohar Kelan, Tharo Jo Tar, Narwari, Saae jo

tar, Tharo jo par, Dedaar, Laplo, Raje je Varee, Peerane Jo Par, Areenhar, Sujee, Surendo,

Desar Ji Dhani. Chaper Khosa, Ropy Jo Par, Sanhoro, Jumey Ji Dhani, Huria Mar, Gafoor

Jo tar, Khmesy Ji dhani, lkhanio Taluka Diplo and Chachro.

TRDP is providing livestock services through mobile veterinary services since 9th March,

2014 and so far the services are provided to 39,398 animals in far-flung 46 villages of

Taluka Diplo, Mithi and Chahro. Below is the breakup of services and coverage:

Table-I: Summary of livestock services

S. No Service Animals Covered

1 Vaccination (Sheep, Goats, Buffalos) 25,994

2 Treatment 2,621

3 Drenching 10,783

Total Animals Covered 39,398

TRDP, in the changing context of Tharparkar, organized a dialogue between elected representatives and peoples institutions of thirty union councils of Thar (see Annex A). The forum discussed about the current drought-like situation and at the end, a joint declaration was passed as a way forward to deal with the situation on short, medium and long term basis.

Dialogue Proceedings

The CEO TRDP welcomed and moderated the dialogue. Mr. Neel Parkash from LSO Megh Malhar (UC Mithrio Bhatti) started with his taluka presentation and represented opinions of 10 LSOs of Mithi Taluka. He shared the issues and recommended potential solution. Afterword Ms. Shehnaz Akhtar from LSO DAWN shared issues that people are facing in Taluka Diplo. She provided recommendations jointly discussed by 8 LSOs of taluka Diplo. Mr. Ramesh kumar represented Taluka Nagarparkar’s perspective, followed by Mr. Badal Dal from LSO PARAS who shared the issues of Taluka Chachro and recommended solutions. Talking on the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Kumar Malani shared government’s perspective to cope up the situation. He highlighted that the reality is quite different than the projection in media. He shared that Thar has changed significantly in the last 10 years and that permanent solutions and development packages are needed to cope up with drought situation in future. Concluding the dialogue, Mr. Taj Haider appreciated the role of TRDP, and acknowledged that TRDP is contributing a lot not only to the rural masses but as well as by supporting the Government of Sindh to cope up the current situation. He briefly unfolded each point of concern presented by Local Support Organizations. He said that we need to develop Thar economy with solid strategies and maximize benefit from handicrafts and livestock. He emphasized that we need to bring markets down at artisan level, instead of leaving them at the mercy of markets in large cities. He also offered help and encouraged the formation of cooperatives for livelihood options. He appreciated the concept of fodder centers at Union council level. Discussing the issue of health, he shared that the Government is taking steps to ensure that facilities are updated and upgraded and all missing facilities are provided. He asked civil society to ensure quality at schools, and emphasized public-private partnership in current education and health system. He also recommended working out on desalination of water and water harvesting not only for drinking but as well for agriculture purposes. He said poverty can be addressed if we have long term strategies and joint efforts and we reach the real beneficiary. To see photographs of the dialogue, click the following link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.844112752272446.1073741847.592649310752126&type=1

Declaration The representatives of people’s institutions unanimously demand quick action from the Government of Sindh and federal government on the issues faced by the people of Tharparkar, and propose the following remedial measures. Poverty: Ensure Grants and loan for small business and livelihood. Provision of technical and vocational skills training. Comprehensive long-term planning for poverty alleviation with the inclusion of local,

grassroots institutions. Health Establishment of MCH centres and mobile teams/centres in far flung UCs. Remove shortage of supplies and ensure staffing (especially doctors, and gynecologists). Commitment to raise awareness about health issues. Education Address shortage of teachers on priority basis. Special focus should be given on Girls’ Education Teachers training and monitoring to ensure quality of education. Water Establishment of water treatment (RO) plants for converting brackish water into potable. Setting up of water quality testing labs to identify unsafe drinking water. Provide water connections to villages through Mithi-Islamkot water pipeline. Livestock Timely vaccination in each season, and ensure increased effectiveness of livestock centres

by ensuring regular provision of medicines and other supplies. Provision of livestock insurance package. Protection of grazing land and pastures. Agriculture Introduction of good quality seeds to increase agriculture production. Establish grain purchase centre and fix control rates for sale/purchase of agriculture

produce. Introduce crops and agriculture suitable for saline water. Natural Disasters Timely declaration of drought and appropriate mitigation measures. Involvement of grassroots organizations to ensure equitable distribution of relief. Awareness raising and training on disasters, and disaster risk reduction.

Communication: Construction of link roads to connect villages with main roads. Provision of electricity/ solar-cell system in villages not connected with the national grid. Natural Resources: Employment of local people on preferential basis in coal sector, and other natural resources

(granite, china clay, and other construction material). Institutional: Formation of a network of local support organizations in order to engage with the government departments to ensure equitable development.

Needs:

Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit (DPMU) of TRDP has identified the need of following items:

-Food Items (high-energy biscuits, pulses, gram, etc.) -Mosquito Nets (LLINs) -Essential medicines, including clean delivery kits -Concentrated food (fodder), vaccination, and dewormer/drench for livestock

Additionally, TRDP has planned to setup medical camps in selected locations to address gaps in healthcare for which we need physicians, gynecologists, child specialists, medical students, nurses and paramedics as volunteers. Annex-A Dialogue Participants: Mr. Taj Haider, Advisor to CM Relief Committee Dr. Khattu Mal Jiwan-MPA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani-MPA Mr. Nandlal Malhi-Local PPP representative Professor Dr. Syed Razi Muhammed, Managing trustee Muhammed foundation Trust Mr. Muhammad Abid, PPAF Mr. Faisal, PPAF Dr. Sara, PPAF Ms. Maryam, PPAF Peoples Institutions Representatives:

# Name Designation UC Taluka

1 Moolan Bai Chairman Mithi Mithi

2 Satoo Member Mithi Mithi

3 Bhagwandas Chairman Harho Nangar Parkar

4 Atam Member Harho Nangar Parkar

5 Shehnaz Chairman Diplo Diplo

6 Zareena Member Diplo Diplo

7 Naseema Member Diplo Diplo

8 Mahmood Chairman Khetlari Diplo

9 Marvi Vice Chairman Joruo Mithi

10 Partab General Secretary Parno Chachro

11 Hakan Chairman Manjthi Mithi

12 Neel Pirkash Chairman M.Bhatti Mithi

13 Mooli Bai Member M.Bhatti Mithi

14 Hariyan Member M.Bhatti Mithi

15 Abdul Razaque Chairman Islamkot Mithi

16 Bhani Vice Chairman Islamkot Mithi

17 Badal Chairman Vejhiar Chachro

18 Dhaoo Member Vejhiar Chachro

19 Manhwer Kumar Chairman Peelu Nangar Parkar

20 Radha Kirshan Member Peelu Nangar Parkar

21 Ramesh Kumar Member Nangar Parkar Nangar Parkar

22 Kamla Vice Chairman Nangar Parkar Nangar Parkar

23 Rejhu Mal Chairman Chelhar Chachro

24 Rehmatullah Member Chelhar Chachro

25 Mano Member Chelhar Chachro

26 Rangoo Member Chelhar Chachro

27 Vishan Chairman Mohrano Mithi

28 Parveen Vice Chairman Mohrano Mithi

29 Ramchand Finance Secretary Mohrano Mithi

30 Soojo Chairman Bolhari Diplo

31 M.Ramzan General Secretary Bolhari Diplo

32 Hothi Chairman Jhirmiro Diplo

33 Kirshan General Secretary Jhirmiro Diplo

34 Haleeman Member Jhirmiro Diplo

35 Haji Jehro Chairman Tardos Chachro

36 Gulab General Secretary M.Veena Mithi

37 Sughar Member M.Veena Mithi

38 Kirshan General Secretary Rajoro Chachro

39 Rani Member Rajoro Chachro

40 Ramesh Chairman Dabhro Diplo

41 Muhammad Malook General Secretary Dabhro Diplo

42 Sahakor Vice Chairman Dabhro Diplo

43 Haseena Member Dabhro Diplo

44 Satoo Member Sobhiyar Diplo

45 Ajmal Chairman Sobhiyar Diplo

46 Narain Member Sobhiyar Diplo

47 Mataro Vice Chairman Bhakuo Mithi

48 Sujawal Chairman Sonal Boh Mithi

49 Sodhi Vice Chairman Sonal Boh Mithi

50 Jhando General Secretary Sonal Boh Mithi

51 Jamiat Member Sonal Boh Mithi

52 Talib Finance Secretary Sonal Boh Mithi

53 Saleman Chairman Bhitaro Diplo

54 Waseema Member Bhitaro Diplo

55 Mano Mal President Petha Pur Nagarparkar

56 Alji President Veera Wah Nagarparkar

57 Mohd: Wassan President Peelu Nagarparkar

58 Ramoon Mal President N.Parkar Nagarparkar

59 Hanif Khoso Programme Coordinator Banh Beli Nagarparkar

60 Faiz M.Junejo President Banh Beli Nagarparkar

61 Mir Mohd Junejo Coordinator CB Banh Beli Nagarparkar

Annex B: Comparison of selected data items from DHIS Reports

Source: DHIS Tharparkar 2012 and 2013 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Secondary Hospital: Taluka Headquarter Hospital + Civil Hospital Primary Healthcare Facility: Basic Health Unit + General Dispensary + Rural

2012 2013

Secondary Hospital

Primary Healthcare

Centre

Total Secondary Hospital

Primary Healthcare

Centre

Total

Pneumonia <5 years

Cases attending OPD 10,788 21,834 32,622 3,506 18,181 21,687

Total Admission 636 76 712 640 42 682

Deaths in the Facility - Number 47 1 48 46 - 46

Deaths in the Facility - Percentage 7.4% 1.3% 6.7% 7.2% 0% 6.7% ≈

ARI Cases reported by LHW 8,792 9,597 18,389 10,127 6,897 17,024

Diarrhoea/Dysentery <5 years

Cases attending OPD 6,090 18,767 24,857 5,113 18,215 23,328

Total Admission 795 225 1,020 1,103 159 1,262

Deaths in the Facility - Number 10 - 10 8 - 8

Deaths in the Facility - Percentage 1.3% 0% 1.0% 0.7% 0% 0.6%

Diarrhoea Cases reported by LHW 5,976 6,593 12,569 6,562 5,959 12,521

Children <12 months fully immunized 3,707 10,420 14,127 3,691 10,827 14,518

Live Births in the facility 1,286 786 2,072 1,359 992 2,351

Neonatal deaths in the facility - Number 99 33 132 63 33 96

Neonatal deaths in the facility - Percentage 7.7% 4.2% 6.4% 4.6% 3.3% 4.1%