Abstract:
Pakistan, a country frequently plagued by severe flooding, faces increasing vulnerability to
climate-induced disasters due to climate change, resulting in serious public health concerns. This
study examines the 2022 floods in Pakistan to explore the relationship between climate-induced
floods and the transmission of infectious and zoonotic diseases. The research employs an
exploratory case study methodology, combining thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews
with experts in disaster management, public health, and climate change, qualitative content
analysis of national policy documents, and geospatial mapping of flood-affected districts. Guided
by Nancy Krieger’s Ecosocial theory and the One Health approach, the study reveals three critical
issues hampering effective public health responses: gaps in public health infrastructure, inadequate
policy integration, and socio-economic and sociodemographic factors that amplify vulnerability in
flood-prone areas. Geospatial analysis indicates that Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa provinces were most affected by the 2022 floods, with Punjab and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa at the highest risk of disease outbreaks. Despite limitations related to data
availability and qualitative analysis, the findings underscore the need for strengthened disease
surveillance, One Health implementation, and coordinated policies to mitigate future climaterelated
health crises, enhance community resilience, and improve public awareness.
