Millions In Additional AID For UN World Food Program Announced By USAID Administrator

UNITED NATIONS - At a meeting in New York over the weekend, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah announced additional funds to the United Nations World Food Program to help feed over 6 million people.

"Today, I have the privilege in announcing an additional Rs 6.4 billion ($75 million) to the United Nations World Food Program to help feed over 6 million Pakistanis affected by the devastating floods," said Shah September 19th. "It is important to note that Rs 5.9 billion ($70 million) of this money will be used to locally procure approximately 120,000 tons of goods and that Rs 428 million ($5 million) will be used for U.S. food that is part of USAID's prepositioning program. The ability to locally procure items is important in the initial recovery and rebuilding efforts in Pakistan."

The United States is now providing approximately Rs 29.5 billion ($345 million) in governmental assistance, more than double the U.S. contribution from one month ago.  U.S. assistance is going to relief and early recovery efforts, directly benefiting flood victims through international and domestic NGOs, UN agencies, and the Pakistani government.  The United States has also made in-kind contributions of more than Rs 4.2 billion ($50 million.)  American aircraft have rescued more than 15,000 people, delivered 7 million pounds of relief supplies and contributed halal meals and pre-fabricated bridges. Additionally, the American private sector has contributed more than Rs 857 million ($10 million) to the flood relief effort.