The U.S. Department of State has announced an additional 10.5 million dollars to support the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic affected by the January earthquake.
The United States, said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration Eric Schwartz, is very impressed with the "generous assistance the Dominican Republic has provided to the people of Haiti in their hour of great need." The funding he announced will go to three international organizations for use in addressing the border areas between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Specifically, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees will receive 3.8 million dollars for assisting vulnerable Haitians displaced by the earthquake, including medical patients with special needs and their families. Money will go to support host families who are helping displaced Haitians and other vulnerable third-country nationals.
The United Nations Children's Fund will receive 3.3 million dollars to support programs in border areas that focus on education, nutrition, and prevention of trafficking in persons.
And finally, the Pan American Health Organization will get an additional 3.4 million dollars to support health, food, nutrition, water, and sanitation programs on the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
The U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and international partners continue to support the people and Government of Haiti as they begin to chart a course towards sustained development. This includes efforts to build transitional shelters and flood mitigation efforts in advance of the rainy season.
Through cash for work programs, the United States and international partners are working to clear important channels to minimize possible flooding. Donors are also helping farmers to actively participate in the spring planting season.
The United States remains committed to working with and in support of the people and Government of Haiti as they set out to build back their country as they envision it.