Pakistan

In 2005 a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked northern Pakistan, impacting the lives of millions of people in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the North West Frontier Province. AmeriCares immediately responded with an outpouring of relief to our local partner, Islamic Relief. AmeriCares sent two airlifts of essential medicines and supplies days after the disaster, delivering more than 130,000 pounds of aid, valued at more than $8 million. At the same time, responding to an urgent need for temporary shelter for the survivors, AmeriCares purchased and delivered 1,200 winterized family tents, which were given to quake survivors. AmeriCares donated, set up, and equipped a 15-bed field hospital in the village of Bana, in the remote Allai Valley. The hospital opened in early December and is currently providing healthcare services to a population of about 150,000 people. 

In late December, AmeriCares third airlift delivered one million doses of HibTITER® vaccine which protects young children against Hæmophilus influenzæ type b (HIB). Responding to a request from World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF officials, the manufacturer generously offered the vaccine to the Pakistan relief effort. However, because the vaccine must be transported by a "Cold Chain"-that is, kept between 36ºF and 46ºF at all times during the shipping and distribution process-officials in Pakistan had no way to safely transport the vaccines from the U.S. to Pakistan. Upon learning of these special requirements, AmeriCares agreed to promptly deliver the goods to WHO and UNICEF.

AmeriCares continues its effort to rebuild heath care. Most recently, AmeriCares signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide financial support for building 20 "Rural Health Centers" in the earthquake-affected areas. The health centers will support a total population of up to 1 million people. AmeriCares will purchase the structures, fully equip each center and supply each with essential medicines. More than 80,000 people died, an estimated 100,000 were injured and over three million people were left homeless as a result of the earthquake.