DUSHANBE, October 1, 2011, Asia-Plus — The U.S. Embassy, in cooperation with the Government of Tajikistan, coordinated the shipment of donated medical supplies to Tajikistan onboard a newly acquired Somon Air Boeing 737-900ER.
Somon Air allowed the U.S. Embassy to transport humanitarian aid to Tajikistan at no cost during its delivery flight from the United States to Dushanbe. The medicine will be distributed to hospitals and medical institutions throughout Tajikistan free of charge.
At a ceremony at Dushanbe’s International Airport, Chargé d”Affaires, a.i., Sarah Penhune met the aircraft and welcomed the delivery of the $172,077 in medical supplies, the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe reported on September 30.
The donation included 2,852 pounds of bandages, extension sets, adhesive plasters, and insulin syringes. These supplies will be distributed to the central district hospitals in Khatlon, Rasht, and GBAO.
At the Dushanbe airport, Chargé Penhune said, “It is my hope that the friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and the United States of America, and between businesses like Somon Air and Boeing, will continue to grow and develop in coming years.”
Private U.S. pharmaceutical companies donated the supplies and medicine, and Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere), in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, identified hospitals and will coordinate the distribution of the supplies.
This cargo represents the cooperation and partnership of many different participants in the United States and in Tajikistan. The Department of State’s Humanitarian Program coordinated with Project Hope and Somon Air to make this shipment possible. U.S. companies 3M, Becton Dickinson, and Hospira donated all medical supplies for this particular flight.
This cooperation demonstrates the excellent relationship between the United States and the Government of Tajikistan. Since December 2001, Project HOPE has provided more than $264 million in medical humanitarian aid to the Republic of Tajikistan. Since 1992, the American people have provided more than $984 million in programs and humanitarian aid that support Tajikistan’s democratic institutions, health care, education and economic growth.
