US to provide nearly $2 billion in health and humanitarian assistance

Photo – A mother is seen feeding nutritional supplements to a child in the village of Purapul, near Loiyangalani in the Marsabit region of northern Kenya. (AFP) The US government announced on August 6 that it will provide nearly $2 billion in funding for faith-based and community organizations providing health and humanitarian assistance worldwide. This funding is the largest allocation to faith-based organizations for global health foreign assistance by the US in over 20 years, the US Department of State said. The funds will be utilized through international and local faith-based organizations, including World Vision International, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse. Under the US “America First Global Health Strategy” program, $1.4 billion will be allocated for health services, strengthening faith-based hospitals, clinics, and community health centers in over 20 countries. Up to $850 million of this is intended to be provided over five years through the Faith and Community Initiative led by World Vision, strengthening over 2,500 faith-based hospitals and clinics in 17 countries. In addition, over 30,000 community health workers will be trained and provided with necessary supplies. The additional $538 million to be allocated by the US government will be used for humanitarian assistance, and it is said that emergency aid can be provided to approximately seven million people in 16 humanitarian crises occurring worldwide. Over $100 million of that funding will be used in 23 countries for immediate use during natural disasters and for disaster preparedness. The US Department of State stated that faith-based health organizations are a major force providing health services in some countries, responsible for over 40 percent of hospitals and clinics. The statement also indicated that at least 80 percent of the funding in this program is intended to be used for health services that reach patients directly. The US's announcement of this funding aims to enable faster delivery of assistance in conflict-affected areas, disaster-stricken regions, and health emergencies. However, political and human rights groups are monitoring transparency and inclusivity in aid distribution in response to the US's increasing emphasis on the role of faith-based organizations in its foreign aid policies. Photo – A mother is seen feeding nutritional supplements to a child in the village of Purapul, near Loiyangalani in the Marsabit region of northern Kenya. (AFP) The post US to provide nearly $2 billion in health and humanitarian assistance appeared first on BUR.MIZZIMA.COM.