Islamabad, August 20, 2009 - The United States government donated five ambulances to the districts of Mardan, Buner and Charsadda of the NWFP province.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Mr. Robert Wilson said, "During a health emergency, every moment is important. This program ensures trained staff can respond quickly to help mothers and babies who are in crisis, and districts have the capability to safely and quickly transport patients to a hospital for further care. Additional ambulances enable local governments to transport residents and IDPs to other care facilities and to treat more serious ailments, such as complicated labors."

The ambulances, donated under the USAID-funded Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and Newborns (PAIMAN) project, are specially designed and equipped to assist pregnant women and newborns. The project also includes renovating and equipping labor and delivery wards in four hospitals and three rural health centers.

Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by John Snow Incorporated (JSI) in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, the $92.8 million Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and Newborns (PAIMAN) project builds the capacity of the existing health systems and fosters a community-based approach to ensure a continuum of care for mothers and newborns in ten districts of Pakistan.

Support for this project is part of the more than $3.4 billion in aid that the U.S. Government is providing to Pakistan over five years to improve economic growth, education, health and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.