ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) has and will continue to stand with Pakistan and its vulnerable communities as one year after the devastating floods, millions of Pakistanis still need urgent support, US Ambassador Donald Armin Blome reaffirmed on Tuesday.
According to a press statement released by the US embassy, Ambassador Blome’s recent visit to Sindh underscores the continued US commitment to aiding Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions in their recovery. The US is actively supporting critical sectors such as education, water, and healthcare to address pressing needs.
“That includes the work we are doing to address malnutrition, build more resilient education facilities, improve access to clean water and sanitation, and provide needed equipment to ensure better health outcomes for women and children,” the statement added.
As Unicef reported, more than 1.5m children require lifesaving nutrition interventions; floods damaged vital infrastructure, including 30,000 schools, 2,000 health facilities, and 4,300 water systems; and access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains worryingly low.
During his trip, Ambassador Blome celebrated the opening of the 100th school constructed as part of the Sindh Basic Education Program.
“By 2024, more than 80,000 girls and boys will study in 106 new, climate-resilient school buildings funded by USAID. These state-of the art facilities come with science and computer labs, a library, and modern furniture. They also serve as flood-resilient safe havens and important platforms for parent and community engagement,” he said.
Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2023
