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ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), with support from the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank and in partnership with the Government of Balochistan, has handed over 118 climate-resilient homes to flood-affected families in Hanna-Urak, Quetta District, said a press release issued by UNDP on Friday. The houses provide safer shelter for families whose homes were destroyed during the devastating floods in 2022, supporting communities to rebuild their lives while strengthening resilience to future climate shocks. The handover ceremony was attended by Mr. Mir Murad Baloch, Honorary Consul of Germany in Balochistan, and senior representatives from the Government of Balochistan, including Mr. Zeeshan Javed, Secretary of the Planning and Development Department (P&amp;DD); Ms. Batool Asadi, Chief of Foreign Aid, Planning and Development Department (P&amp;DD); and Mr. Naveed Ahmed Sheikh, Director Planning &amp; Coordination at the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), alongside local authorities and community representatives. The housing initiative forms part of the Flood Reconstruction and Coordination Program, through which UNDP is supporting the construction of 700 climate- and disaster-resilient houses in Balochistan.&nbsp; Over 150 houses handed over&nbsp;With the latest handover, 158 houses have now been completed and handed over, while the remaining houses are expected to be completed over the course of the coming months as the project continues to progress on schedule. The houses incorporate climate- and disaster-resilient features, including raised plinths to reduce flood risk, reinforced structural elements for improved seismic safety, and improved ventilation to better adapt to rising temperatures. Dr Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, noted that the initiative reflects the importance of strong partnerships in supporting communities to recover from climate disasters.&nbsp; He emphasized that together with the Government of Germany and the Government of Balochistan, UNDP is committed to helping flood-affected families rebuild safer homes while strengthening long-term resilience to climate impacts. Beyond housing reconstruction, the program is also supporting resilient community physical infrastructure, benefiting thousands of people in Hanna-Urak, contributing to safer, stronger, and more resilient communities in Balochistan.

Economy

With the latest handover, 158 houses have now been completed and handed over, while the remaining houses are expected to be completed over the course of the coming months as the project continues to progress on schedule.

UNDP, Germany support climate-resilient housing for flood-affected families in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for a decisive and collective effort to tackle HIV in Pakistan, warning that rising infections and limited treatment coverage demand &ldquo;immediate, coordinated and compassionate action.&rdquo;&nbsp;In his message on World AIDS Day, the prime minister stressed that the government is prioritizing prevention, testing and treatment services, especially for vulnerable and marginalized communities. He said stigma and discrimination remain among the biggest barriers to care, urging society to &ldquo;support, not isolate&rdquo; people living with HIV.&nbsp;The prime minister reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to achieving global targets to ensure that those most at risk can access timely diagnosis and lifesaving antiretroviral therapy. &ldquo;No one should be left behind,&rdquo; he said, noting that improved awareness, public engagement, and stronger health systems are essential for reversing the trend.&nbsp;He highlighted the need to expand early testing, increase treatment uptake, and ensure that essential medicines reach all parts of the country. The prime minister also underscored ongoing work with provincial governments and development partners to strengthen the national HIV response and enhance community-based services. In April, a UNDP-supported Global Fund report warned that Pakistan could face a wider public health crisis if testing and treatment rates do not accelerate. According to the report, around 290,000 Pakistanis are living with HIV. Yet only 23% know their status, and just 15% are currently receiving antiretroviral treatment, a gap the prime minister described as &ldquo;deeply concerning.&rdquo;&nbsp;The report noted improvements in prevention outreach, with community-led sites expanded to 53 locations and mobile services reaching thousands of people. However, it emphasized that low treatment enrollment and poor retention in care continue to undermine national efforts.&nbsp;As Pakistan marks World AIDS Day, the prime minister called for unity and compassion, saying the fight against HIV is &ldquo;not only a public health challenge but a test of our commitment to dignity, justice and human rights.&rdquo;&nbsp;He urged citizens, communities, and institutions to work together to build a healthier and more inclusive society where people living with HIV can access care without fear or prejudice.

Health

In his message on World AIDS Day, the prime minister says the government is prioritizing prevention, testing and treatment services, especially for vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Articles tagged with "UNDP"

UNDP, Germany support climate-resilient housing for flood-affected families in Balochistan

PM Sharif calls for renewed effort against HIV as Pakistan faces rising infections