One Year Later: American Red Cross Continues To Assist Survivors Of Earthquake In Pakistan
Immediately following the quake, the American Red Cross was able to quickly and effectively respond to earthquake survivors' needs caused by the massive earthquake in Pakistan -- by providing qualified staff and contributing more than $14 million to provide assistance, such as essential shelter and basic household items with an objective of helping improve daily living conditions.
"The relief operation in Pakistan has proven to be one of the toughest faced in modern times," said Nan Buzard, American Red Cross Senior Director for International Disaster Response. "The scale of the disaster, immense logistical challenges caused by the rugged terrain, isolation of the affected areas, and the onset of winter created hardship and tested the strength and agility of relief organizations. The American Red Cross, as part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, aided more than 740,600 people with emergency relief and shelter."
Almost one year later, the American Red Cross knows that its work is not done and continues to support recovery efforts in Pakistan working with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and other national societies within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The American Red Cross has a delegate posted in Pakistan to oversee the management of resources provided to the operation -- also, the American Red Cross is keeping appraised of the situation on the ground as winter nears and is prepared to provide additional assistance if emergency needs emerge.
In addition, the American Red Cross will help to support longer term recovery efforts in Pakistan, especially related to women and children. One of the programs is a maternal child health program to improve infant mortality rates and mother survival rates in the earthquake-affected area. The two-year program focuses on teaching mothers about preventable diseases, reproductive health, hygiene and sanitation, using community volunteers and local health service providers.
In recognition of its efforts to help those affected by the earthquake, the American Red Cross received the Award of "Sitara-i-Eisaar" (Star of Sacrifice) from the country of Pakistan in recognition of its response to last year's earthquake. The President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, presented the award to the Chairman of the American Red Cross, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, during a formal ceremony at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, DC on September 21, 2006.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance, and other support to help those in need. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).
Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting http://www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org
Un an mai târziu: Crucea Roºie americanã continuã sã Asist Supravietuitorilor cutremurul din Pakistan - One Year Later: American Red Cross Continues To Assist Survivors Of Earthquake In Pakistan - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate