COVID-19 Response

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What We Do

Overview

The Pursukoon Zindagi COVID-19 Response is IRD Global’s integrated physical and mental health program designed to support communities and healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responding to rising caseloads, widespread misinformation, and increasing psychological distress, the program delivered remote, stepped-care mental health support alongside contextual guidance for home-based COVID-19 management. By leveraging trained lay counsellors and digital platforms, the initiative reduced pressure on emergency services while expanding access to timely, trusted care. The Pursukoon Zindagi COVID-19 Response reached communities across Pakistan, operating remotely to support COVID-19 patients, healthcare workers, and vulnerable populations regardless of geographic location.

42,000+

COVID-19 patients supported

31,700+

individuals screened for depression and anxiety

6,800+

individuals engaged through mental health sessions

5,400+

referrals made for counselling

Our Partners

Aga Khan University Hospital
British Asian Trust
Taskeen
Sehat Kahani
Saaya

IRD also co-founded the Pakistan Mental Health Coalition, bringing together public and private partners to coordinate mental health responses during COVID-19.

The Need

Pakistan’s health system

Pakistan’s health system entered the COVID-19 pandemic facing longstanding challenges, including limited financing, shortages of specialized services, inequitable resource distribution, and fragmented service delivery. The rapid escalation of COVID-19 cases placed unprecedented strain on healthcare providers, while communities struggled to access reliable information in an evolving public health emergency.

Simultaneously, an “infodemic” of misinformation

Simultaneously, an “infodemic” of misinformation heightened fear and anxiety, compounding mental distress among the general population and frontline healthcare workers. With limited in-person services and overwhelmed facilities, there was an urgent need for integrated, remote models that addressed both mental health needs and safe, contextual management of COVID-19 at home.

Our Approach: Delivery

Pursukoon Zindagi applied a stepped-care, remote service delivery model that integrated physical health guidance with mental health support.

Lay counsellor–led care: Community-based lay counsellors were trained to deliver remote consultations via phone and video, expanding reach despite specialist shortages.
Proactive outreach: Mental health officers conducted proactive calls to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, offering wellness check-ins, home-care guidance, and referrals for severe symptoms.
Reactive mental health helpline: A crisis helpline provided support for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.
One-on-one counselling: Individuals requiring additional care received structured counselling sessions delivered remotely.
Peer support for healthcare providers: WhatsApp-based support groups, webinars, and check-ins addressed burnout and emotional distress among frontline workers.

This integrated approach aimed to reduce unnecessary hospital visits, ease pressure on emergency units, and ensure continuity of mental health care during lockdowns.