Press Releases 2009
United States Provides Supplies For Displaced Children In Swabi District
June 17, 2009
Swabi -U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson visited the Anbar Elementary College Camp in Swabi District, where approximately 2,500 displaced persons are currently residing. During her visit, the Ambassador delivered school supplies for more than 500 displaced children receiving instruction at the school. Included in these supplies were: coloring books, crayons, pencils, sharpeners and other school items. In addition, the Ambassador provided 520 long-lasting flashlights that do not require batteries to displaced households residing at both the Anbar site and Worker Welfare Folks School, Shah Mansoor.
During the visit, Ambassador Patterson met with local government officials, camp volunteers and displaced families. She also visited living quarters for displaced families, school classrooms, and a skills development center for women.
"We are committed to continuing our support for displaced families in Pakistan and are prepared to do more as the situation demands." said Ambassador Patterson.
The United States is supporting vital humanitarian programs for displaced persons living in schools and host communities in Swabi District, including health interventions such as the provision of essential medicines and additional staff, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities for the displaced population, and the distribution of emergency relief supplies and food assistance.
On May 19, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton committed $110 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to assist IDPs. This includes 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. In the last two weeks, the U.S. government has announced an additional $200 million in urgent humanitarian assistance to aid displaced persons in North West Frontier Province.
Since 2002, the United States has provided nearly $3.4 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.