U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Peter W. Bodde visited on-going relief operations in Sindhupalchowk District that are supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  During his visit to Majhi Gaun Village, Ambassador Bodde met with Nepalis who received U.S. Government-provided emergency shelter supplies, which helped them construct clean, dry rooms after their houses were destroyed during the April 25 earthquake.

 After the earthquake, USAID/Nepal – through Save the Children – began relief operations in Chautara, the district headquarters of Sindhupalchowk. In coordination with the Government of Nepal, USAID partners distributed relief materials, including emergency shelter materials and non-food items to earthquake-affected people in more than 25 Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Sindhupalchowk.

 “We were with you immediately following the earthquake with emergency supplies, and as Nepal’s longstanding friend, the United States will continue to stand with you,” said Ambassador Bodde in Majhi Gaun.

 Ambassador Bodde also visited Melamchi village in Sindhupalchowk to see ongoing relief activities supported by USAID’s health and nutrition program, Suaahara. Following the earthquake, in coordination with local government and community members, Suaahara responded with support in five affected districts.  To date, the program has provided health, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene services to over 11,000 children under the age of two and their families in Sindhupalchowk.

 During his visit, Ambassador Bodde met with expecting and new mothers using “Mother Baby Areas.” These areas allow mothers to come together to nurse and learn about nutrition and hygiene while their children play safely. Ambassador Bodde and the mothers discussed the impact of the earthquake and Suaahara's efforts to support recovery in the area. Suaahara supports ten “Mother Baby Areas” in earthquake-affected districts, along with therapeutic feeding programs for children with severe acute malnutrition.

According to a press release issued by Public Affairs Section Embassy of The United States, since beginning in 2011, the project has helped improve nutrition for thousands of children in 41 targeted districts, doubling the number of children under the age of two who consume a nutritious diet. Suaahara is also implemented by Save the Children.