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U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-43202001-074
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2001Contact: USAID Press Office
ISLAMABAD -- In a continuing commitment by the United States to aid vulnerable people in Afghanistan and Afghan refugees, Bear McConnell, Director of the Central Asia Task Force at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), today announced $26.5 million in grants to aid Afghanistan. In addition, McConnell announced the arrival of five Emergency Medical Kits in Islamabad, Pakistan.
McConnell arrived in Islamabad Tuesday aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane carrying 20,400 blankets purchased by the USAID. And additional 15,000 will arrive tomorrow, October 24, for a total of 35,400 blankets so far. UNHCR will distribute the blankets to vulnerable populations in the region.
Announcement of $26.5 million in grants for FY 2002
Please note: $26.5 million is not part of the $320 humanitarian emergency fund announced by President Bush, but from FY 2002 funds for disaster assistance
- Grants will go to the United Nations and other international organizations.
- Funds will be spent on non-food aid for the people of Afghanistan.
- Grant money will be distributed through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.
- Projects include:
- Nutritional surveillance, health, and water/sanitation activities
- Seed distribution and multiplication projects
- Delivery of complimentary foods
- Winter heating for hospitals and vulnerable internally displaced people
35,400 blankets
- Blankets are made of a 70/30 wool/polyester blend.
- Made in Rhode Island.
- 35,400 blankets valued at $212,400 ($6 each).
- Being delivered to Islamabad, Pakistan on October 23 and 24.
5 Emergency Health Kits
- Kits contain medical supplies and medicines.
- Each kit will support a population of 10,000 for three months.
- Kits arrive in Islamabad on the morning of Tuesday, October 23.
Tuesday's deliveries are part of a much larger commitment by the United States to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. President Bush recently announced $320 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
USAID is the U.S. government agency that has provided economic and humanitarian assistance to more than 80 countries worldwide for nearly 40 years.
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