RIYADH, 8 June 2008 — The Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims has contributed $1.8 million to the UNICEF to fund the construction of five new basic health units in districts affected by the devastating 2005 earthquake.
“About 75 percent of health facilities were destroyed or significantly damaged in this remote and inaccessible region. Even before the earthquake, the health system was very weak,” says Martin Mogwanja, the UNICEF country representative for Pakistan. “Thanks to the generosity of the people and government of Saudi Arabia, and the tireless efforts of Minister of Interior Prince Naif, thousands of children and their families will be able to benefit from high quality health and nutrition services,” Mogwanja said.
Two basic health units sponsored by the organization will soon be completed in Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad, and construction is expected to begin on the remaining three health centers shortly. Once completed and fully equipped, each facility will provide primary care facilities to about 60,000 people.
UNICEF Gulf area office representative Ayman A. Abu Laban expressed his organization’s sincere thanks and gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia, calling the Kingdom the “Kingdom of Humanity” under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
