ISLAMABAD - The United States Embassy on Tuesday announced an additional contribution of $9.3 million to help the government 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).  The US government will provide $7 million 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 announced $8 million in food assistance for IDPs on June 26, 2014.
Ambassador Olson said, "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. Our additional $9.3 million contribution reiterates the importance of the partnership among the government of Pakistan, development organisations and the United States."
The UNICEF/Pakistan will use the funds to strengthen the existing lady health workers (LHWs) programme and train new LHW staff in places hosting the IDPs to ensure timely and consistent delivery of essential medicine, oral dehydration solutions, and other essential health services.
Funds will be used by UNICEF to repair and build water facilities and sanitation infrastructure in areas where the IDPs have relocated. The provision of potable water and hygiene kits, the monitoring of water quality and sanitary services, and practices among the displaced population to prevent outbreaks of epidemics will also be undertaken.
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.
A statement issued here said the United States has a long history of working together with the people of Pakistan to provide humanitarian assistance. From October 2013 to July 2014, USAID has provided over $60 million in food assistance to Pakistan. Since 2009, the United States has provided over $1.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to the people of Pakistan, making it the largest bilateral provider of humanitarian support to the country.