WASHINGTON: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Thursday announced approximately $7.5 million in humanitarian assistance for the flood-affected people of Sindh and Balochistan.
In a letter to Pakistan’s US Ambassador Masood Khan, the foundation’s president Christopher Elias wrote that their polio program would also support 1200 health camps, run by Aga Khan University in the flood-affected areas.
Furthermore, the Foundation would put more support towards three maternity hospitals dealing with the largest burden of displaced women-to expand midwifery care, and intrapartum services, the letter said.
Mr. Elias informed the Ambassador that the Foundation has an active $4 million grant for the poor that are getting food subsidies and emergency cash transfers in the flood-affected areas.
On behalf of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he expressed deepest sympathies over the losses due to unprecedented flood.
“This is indeed a tragedy of national proportions and one which has captured the attention of the world,” wrote President Global Development of B&M Foundation.
He said, “Seeing how the floods have affected your countrymen, their houses, and their farms is immensely saddening.”
The Foundation was recognized by Ambassador Masood Khan for its kind assistance at a time when the Pakistani people most needed it.
Mr. Elias praised the Pakistani people for their bravery in the face of adversity and sent them good wishes as they go forward and restore their homes and lives.
