Islamabad, September 15, 2010 - The U.S. announced today that it is providing Rs 428 million ($5 million) to fight malaria in flood-affected regions of Pakistan.

Early warning and detection mechanisms are crucial in meeting public health needs in the immediate recovery period following a natural disaster. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with Pakistan's Ministry of Health, is providing the money to the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) for use in its anti-malaria programs.

The funds will be used to preposition rapid testing kits and anti-malarial medications. It will also go towards educational programs designed to teach at-risk communities the early warning signs of a malaria outbreak.

The U. S. has provided more than Rs 22 billion ($261 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance to the people of Pakistan. The U.S. also has provided other civilian and military in-kind assistance in the form of halal meals, pre-fabricated steel bridges and other infrastructure support, as well as air support to and within Pakistan to transport goods and rescue people, valued at approximately Rs 3.4 billion ($40 million).