Assalamu Alaikum, Ramazan Mubarak.

In previous videos, I described how the Pakistan-U.S. health partnership is strengthening Pakistan’s fight against coronavirus – by providing mobile labs to coronavirus hotspots, training health care workers to treat patients at home, upgrading provincial emergency operations centers, and supporting refugee and host communities.  

Today, I’d like to highlight how together we are protecting those most vulnerable to the economic fallout from coronavirus.  First, I’m announcing a new American contribution of $5 million to support Pakistan’s Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program to provide almost 70,000 eligible families extra support to buy food and essentials.  Second, I’m announcing a new U.S. provision of 336 metric tons of ready-to-use therapeutic food for children diagnosed with acute malnutrition, and equipment for 50 health facilities to treat malnutrition, in partnership with the Government of Pakistan and UNICEF, funded with $2.5 million from the American people. The food is now being distributed to families in need.

Since designating Pakistan a priority country for coronavirus assistance, the United States has committed nearly $15 million in new coronavirus response funding to our joint efforts.  All of these contributions were identified as top priority needs by Pakistani authorities and are fully paid by the American people.

President Trump and Prime Minister Khan agreed in a recent telephone conversation to continue working jointly on a coordinated response.  We appreciate the many Pakistani expressions of sympathy and support for Americans, and we Americans send with equal sincerity our sympathy and support for Pakistanis who have suffered.  Together we will defeat this virus and rebuild our prosperity and freedom.

Stay safe and healthy – Bohat Shukriya!