Vulnerability of internally displaced children in disaster relief camps of Pakistan: issues, challenges, and way forward

Pakistan is a developing country with the second highest infant and child mortality rates in South Asia. During the past years this region has undergone several humanitarian emergencies that have negatively affected all the aspects of health and development of young children. During these emergencies relief camps are set up by governmental and non-governmental agencies with the aim of meeting the physical needs of the targeted community by providing basic health care (first aid), food, water, and shelter. As these services do not adequately address children's rights, all aspects of their health (physical, mental, social, and spiritual) and development, therefore, internally displaced children in the disaster relief camps of Pakistan are highly vulnerable to having a negative impact on all aspects of their health, brain development, learning, coping, and competence. Hence, to enable these children to develop their maximum potentials, cope positively, and become resilient, a well-thought child-care programme is recommended in the disaster relief camps of Pakistan.