Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- The United Nations has established more than a thousand health clinics across Pakistan in the wake of widespread flooding, a U.N. official said.
"Almost 1,200 mobile health clinics are operating across Pakistan," said Maurizio Giuliano with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "For many people, this is the only way to receive health care".
Water-borne illnesses from contaminated flood waters have erupted nationwide. At least 1 million Pakistanis have crippling diarrhea or respiratory infections. About 65,000 cases of malaria have been reported.
"More than 2 million people have received health care through this system, especially for diarrhea diseases, acute respiratory infections, skin and eye disease," he said.
"These clinics reach even the remotest areas with teams sometimes walking for six hours and carrying 20 kilograms [44 pounds] of medical supplies on their backs".
CNN
