Speeches Shim
Last updated: October 14, 2021
USAID continues to support the people of Timor-Leste who are recovering from Tropical Cyclone Seroja. Farmers are receiving seeds and tools to replant staple crops destroyed by floods. Ten years after South Sudan's independence, nearly two-thirds of the population faces hunger and one-third is displaced. Administrator Power called on the country's leaders to end the conflict and protect human rights. To help end the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. delivered millions of vaccines to Bangladesh, Pakistan, El Salvador, and Peru. Supported by Power Africa and USAID, the Kipeto Wind Farm in Kenya is now generating clean electricity to 250,000 households.
As COVID-19 cases surge in India, the U.S. continues to support the country. Additional USAID assistance announced this week will help India with its response efforts and strengthen the country’s healthcare supply chains. In Syria, humanitarian needs rise higher than ever due to conflict, COVID-19, and economic crisis. To help address this dire situation, the U.S. announced $436 million in additional life saving aid. Each month, U.S. aid reaches 6 million Syrians. There are devastating reports of famine conditions and human rights atrocities in Tigray, Ethiopia. Up to 900,000 people could face death, with millions more at risk if urgent action is not taken. Assistant to the Administrator Sarah Charles spoke at the House Foreign Affairs Committee about the deteriorating conditions. For the first time, in honor of Pride Month, USAID raised the Progress flag. As Administrator Power noted, this is a huge step in recognizing that what we see matters.
In Venezuela, 7 million people need humanitarian assistance and 5 million have fled; totaling almost half the country's population. Last week, the U.S. announced $407 million to Venezuelans and communities hosting them. USAID is providing emergency food, water, and health aid. USAID sent emergency medical supplies to Pakistan and Nepal where COVID-19 cases are surging. The United States continues to support countries fighting the pandemic. Administrator Power announced new initiatives in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. These initiatives promote good governance and economic growth, enabling people to have more opportunities at home. On World Refugee Day, USAID reaffirmed its commitment to the millions of refugees around the world. The U.S. will continue to provide life-saving aid to refugees and stand by the countries that support them.
In her first trip at USAID, Administrator Power traveled to Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala to advance USAID’s efforts on governance, economics and security. In Honduras, she visited USAID sites that provide humanitarian support and promote economic growth and good governance. In El Salvador, Administrator Power met with youth who have gained significant economic opportunities due to USAID’s education and job-training programs. In Guatemala, Administrator Power launched the $39 million entrepreneurship and Development Innovation Initiative, an alliance with private sector partners to help young people have economic opportunities. To help address urgent needs caused by COVID-19, USAID announced $91 million for food, water and healthcare across Africa.
Administrator Power spoke with Stephen Colbert on USAID's work to stem migration, America's pledge of 500 million COVID-19 vaccines to other countries, and more. Administrator Power raised the profile of the crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia, convening global leaders to discuss next steps, and a meeting with musical artist & activist The Weeknd. She also announced $181 million in USAID assistance to the region. USAID sent a second plane with COVID-19 supplies to Bangladesh. Administrator Power discussed USAID's continued partnership with Afghanistan with President Ashraf Ghani.
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