ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy on Tuesday announced an additional contribution of $9.3 million to help Pakistan meet the health, water, sanitation, and livelihood needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan Agency.

“These funds will be provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),” a spokesperson for US embassy in Islamabad said in a statement.

“The US government will provide $7 million dollars to UNICEF/Pakistan to improve health, hygiene, water, and sanitation services for IDPs with the remaining funds used to ensure the health of livestock.”

This new funding brings the total US contribution benefiting IDPs from North Waziristan to $17.3 million. The United States had announced $8 million in food assistance for IDPs last month.

“The United States stands ready to help the Government of Pakistan prepare for and respond to the considerable humanitarian needs emerging in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA),” US Ambassador in Pakistan, Richard Olson commented on the assistance package.

He said, “Our additional $9.3 million contribution reiterates the importance of the partnership between the Government of Pakistan, development organisations, and the United States.”

UNICEF/Pakistan will use the funds to strengthen the existing Lady Health Workers (LHWs) Program and train new LHW staff in places hosting the IDPs to ensure timely and consistent delivery of essential medicine, oral rehydration solutions, and other essential health services, said the statement.

The spokesperson also said that to help ensure the livelihood and economic survival of the displaced population, a portion of the $9.3 million will also be used to help maintain the health of animals belonging to the IDPs.

Support will include ensuring access to feed, water, and the provision of temporary shelter.