The United States government has allocated $100,000 for humanitarian assistance to aid Bolivian communities impacted by recent flooding. This aid is in response to Bolivia's declaration of a national emergency and a call for international help by the Bolivian Foreign Ministry after severe rains and floods.
The aid, provided by Plan International, consists of food kits, ceramic water filters, and hygiene supplies, including menstrual hygiene kits. This support will reach over 4,300 individuals in rural municipalities in Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz. The initiative aims to ensure equitable distribution to the families most impacted by the floods.
"As we mark 175 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bolivia, we do so by reaffirming our commitment to the well-being of Bolivian families in times of need," stated Tom Lyons, acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia. "This assistance reflects the solidarity of the American people and our continued commitment to strengthening the bonds of cooperation and friendship that unite our two nations."
Each food kit is equipped with staples such as rice, flour, sugar, oil, salt, powdered milk, and lentils. More than 400 ceramic candle water filters, each with a capacity of 20 liters, will be distributed to ensure access to safe drinking water for families and schools without clean water. Additionally, over 460 family hygiene kits, containing items like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, detergent, and toilet paper, along with menstrual hygiene kits for women and adolescent girls, will be provided.
The aid is symbolized by the gesture of US Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Tom Lyons handing over humanitarian assistance in Jesus de Machaca, La Paz, Bolivia.