During the aftermath of the Pakistan floods in 2022, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) launched a campaign to aid recovery efforts, particularly out of concern for the women affected by the devastating floods. CARE, who was already working on the ground to provide desperately needed supplies, was an ideal partner to help us achieve those goals.
Adil Sheraz, CARE Pakistan Country Director had reported, “Catastrophic floods in Pakistan, affecting over 30 million people, have killed more than 900 people in the past few weeks, and the situation continues to deteriorate, with continued heavy rains causing flooding and landslides…CARE International in Pakistan, and its implementing partners, are distributing relief items to affected communities including tents and tarpaulins, emergency latrine kits and everyday essentials including menstrual hygiene items. Our highest priority is supporting women, children and people with special needs. So many have lost just about everything and need our collective support now.”
AMWA’s work to provide global aid comes through the American Women’s Hospitals Service (AWHS), AMWA’s charitable arm which since 1917 has been providing support to communities in need around the world. AWHS was established through the war service committee, out of a desire for women physicians to serve abroad during the World War I, despite being rejected by the U.S. military. From its first two hospitals established in France, AWHS has expanded its reach to nearly every continent in the world.
The history of CARE also began during a time of war. The first CARE packages were delivered to Le Havre, France, in May 1946, bringing food and relief supplies at the end of World War II and were known then as the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE).
Both AWHS and CARE have a focus on women and girls, because we know that empowering women can lead to a better future for families and communities around the world.
AMWA is grateful to the many donors who continue to make this relief work possible – nearly 106 years after the AWHS was first established. Learn more here.
AMWA Immediate Past President Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber presenting $10,000 donation to Ashby Brown, CARE Director of Development
Dr. Rohr-Kirchgraber with historic display of the early CARE packages
Ashby Brown (L) and Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber (R)
