May 31, 2000,
NEW YORK ---- Church World Service (CWS) is seeking $250,000 to provide food, livestock
fodder and seeds to aid 4,500 families in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the wake of a severe
drought which has driven thousands of families from their homes, withered crops and killed
livestock.
The CWS
Pakistan/Afghanistan office has developed a plan to provide emergency relief to some of
the most vulnerable families over a period of three months.
In Afghanistan, where the situation is particularly acute, the project will
provide food packages to 4,000 families. Each
three-month food package for a family of eight will include wheat, cooking oil, rice,
beans, sugar and tea.
In Pakistan, the seed and distribution
program will aid 500 families by providing food and dry fodder blocks for livestock in
immediate danger. Currently there are some
8,500 animals believed to be at risk. In Pakistan, the program will be implemented by CWS
through its partner, Participatory Village Development Program (PVDP).
As a result of the drought, thousands of families have been evacuated or forced to leave in search of water, food and fodder. Consequently, child mortality and malnutrition rates have risen, especially among children, women, and the elderly.
-end-
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