Humanitarian assistance

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Humanitarian Assistance
AKDN’s humanitarian assistance takes a long-term view of the response to disasters, whether they are sudden- or slow-onset.  This view has been shaped by AKDN’s experience in many of the places where it works – often some of the most remote and difficult to reach places in the world.  

While addressing the immediate needs of people affected by disasters – including, food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, etc. – it simultaneously begins the process of long-term development. Its ultimate aim is to help people in need reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid while facilitating their transition to sustainable, self-reliant, long-term development.


After the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, for example, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (now part of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH)) carried out evacuation and relief operations in more than a dozen locations, including some of the most remote and difficult-to-access areas. It delivered food items for more than 70,000 people, distributed over 1,100 tents, and more than 14,000 blankets, and evacuated more than 900 casualties from vulnerable locations.

The Aga Khan University, the Aga Khan University Hospital and the Aga Khan Health Service provided extensive emergency medical support, through more than 80 doctors (including physicians, surgeons, paediatricians, anaesthesiologists, and other medical specialists), 40 nurses, and teams of medical technicians, field officers, and medical students. Over 350 trauma patients were treated, 10,000 people were provided with emergency or basic healthcare, and nursing, medical and psychiatric training was extended. AKDN mobilised over 1000 volunteers. In all of its endeavours, it worked closely with various ministries and departments of the Pakistan government, UN agencies, and international multilateral and bilateral partners.

In the recovery stage, AKDN institutions help communities rebuild so they can function on their own and return to normal development activity and progress.  At the same time they work to protect against future hazards and lay the groundwork for ongoing development.  AKAH serves as a focal point to coordinate and accelerate risk reduction activities in the areas in which AKDN works, many of which are  hazard prone yet without even basic standards of structural and non-structural safety and preparedness. Typically, while the AKAH works to prepare communities for disasters and the effects of climate change, other agencies, such as the Aga Khan Foundation, address some of the long-term impediments to progress, such as food security, natural resource management, or access to education.



Humanitarian Assistance activities are coordinated through the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, but many agencies also support depending on local needs.