United States Responds to Insulin Shortages in the West Bank
West Bank – On April 21, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), began insulin deliveries through CARE International to 37 Palestinian hospitals and clinics in response to an insulin shortage in the West Bank. The total USAID contribution is $166,626 worth of insulin, an estimated two-month supply, which has been delivered to the health care facilities in stages. The first two shipments were completed this month and the final and largest delivery, worth $125,358, will take place on May 29. This assistance will help treat hundreds of Palestinian patients suffering from diabetes.
The U.S Government funded insulin deliveries were announced by US Consul General Jacob Walles Tuesday during a tour of the CARE warehouse in Ramallah. Following his remarks, USAID Deputy Director R. David Harden and Salam Kanaan from CARE International addressed USAID’s partnership with CARE in delivering emergency health assistance to Palestinians.
The on-going insulin deliveries are part of USAID’s Emergency Medical Assistance Program, which responds to urgent humanitarian needs in the West Bank and Gaza. This $30 million health assistance package enables quick procurement and distribution of pharmaceuticals, dialysis supplies, medical equipment, and spare parts to Palestinian health care facilities.
USAID has partnered with CARE in the health sector since 1997. Since 1993, the American people have provided Palestinians more than $1.7 billion in economic assistance.
Country: United States of America
Subject: Assistance, Health
Publication Date: 22/05/2007