Why Help Pakistan?
08/27/2010
AmeriCares VP of emergency response, Ella Gudwin, weighs in
Deadly floods in Pakistan have sparked the latest crisis for this embattled country. Pakistan's worst flooding in 80 years has claimed at least 1,500 lives and left more than 4 million people homeless. From lack of basic hygiene supplies to a threat of deadly diarrheal diseases, including cholera, AmeriCares is responding to the needs of flood survivors. Our latest disaster relief airlift contains more than $500,000 worth of critical medical assistance - and more is on the way. We have committed over $1 million in aid for the relief effort and are readying additional shipments.
Despite security and logistical challenges, our organization has worked in Pakistan since 1990. Because of political dynamics, we have often kept a low public profile in the region. But, we were there when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake injured 100,000 people in 2005. We were there when conflict between the Taliban and Pakistani Army forced three million innocent civilians from their homes in 2009. And now, we are there to help in what could be Pakistan's hour of greatest need.
The human suffering and humanitarian response in Pakistan occurs against a complex backdrop of political instability and conflict. Some may go as far as to question why we should help when some people in the affected areas may represent radical, violent factions. But extremist elements are a small minority. An estimated 20 million people have been affected by this calamity. Recognizing the millions upon millions of fellow human beings in desperate need is at the core of AmeriCares response. This is the essence of humanitarian aid.
Following the 2005 earthquake, we received a message from Saleem - a village elder in a community we helped.
On behalf of the residents of my region, I thank AmeriCares for helping us with relief and medical help when our region was hit by the earthquake. We were displaced from our homes; you helped provide us with shelter. We were wounded and sick; you helped us with medicines and professional advice. May God save you and your coming generations from such disaster.
Sunday, Aug. 29, marks the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a disaster which has scarred our country's families and our land. As we remember the turmoil, suffering and loss for Americans in the Gulf States, may we be spurred to act with greater urgency and compassion in Pakistan, without regard for race, creed, religion or political persuasion.
Ella Gudwin is vice president of emergency response for AmeriCares.
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