Press Releases 2009
U.S. Ambassador Patterson Announces $26.6 Million Donation to U.N. World Food Program (WFP) During IDP Camp Visit
May 28, 2009
Swabi - During a visit to the Yar Hussain internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson announced a $26.6 million award to the UN's World Food Program funding urgent humanitarian relief efforts. The donation is for the local purchase and distribution of food commodities. It includes one month's supply of tea and sugar for IDPs in the camp. American funds provide pulses (beans/yellow peas) now distributed at Yar Hussain.
During her visit to the camp's registration area, health clinic and distribution centers, the Ambassador spoke with IDP families, schoolchildren, and their teachers, and viewed the distribution of U.S.-supplied commodities and goods donated through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Yar Hussain camp is administered by UNHCR in conjunction with District authorities and the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees. The U.S. is UNHCR's largest donor.
The U.S. Government is also awarding nearly $800,000 to provide emergency health care to IDPs living in Swabi District host communities and camps, including Yar Hussain.
"We are all members of the human family. The American people are profoundly moved by images of the displaced," said Ambassador Patterson. "They are generously responding with food, shelter, and other assistance. We recognize the enormous sacrifices made by the people living in these camps. We pray they will soon return home to live in safety and security."
The Ambassador's visit comes in the wake of efforts by the United States to provide relief to Pakistan's IDPs. Through the Government of Pakistan, the American people donated generators and air conditioned tents to provide comfort for those suffering from disease or heat prostration. Last week, the U.S. also delivered more than 120,000 pre-packed halal meals.
On May 19, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton committed $110 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to assist IDPs. This includes the $26.6 million to the World Food Program and approximately $28 million in agricultural commodities including 50,000 metric tons of wheat valued at $16.8 million and 6,800 metric tons of vegetable oil valued at $11.2 million. The U.S. has also provided $4.9 million to purchase tents, blankets, cooking sets, jerry cans, soap, and bedding. Americans also provided logistical equipment including generators and transformers to power water pumps, laptop computers, and rental cars to assist in emergency support operations.