The number of people utilizing health care services has doubled since before the earthquake, bolstered by accessible locations and 24-hour staff availability. More than 50,000 people now have access to four USAID-supported basic health care units in their areas.

Sai Mohammed of Jambori village (pictured left, center) suffers from a hacking cough. Before Oct. 8, when a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck his village in northern Pakistan's Siran Valley, Mohammed visited a doctor at his area's only health care facility in a remote part of the district. The quake destroyed even that facility, as well as those in many other districts. Like most of his neighbors, Mohammed's remaining option was to take a bus to a private hospital, a day trip that would cost him at least 300 rupees ($5), a large sum by local standards.

With USAID's help, Mohammed and his neighbors can now access free health care in their own areas. Through its partner Mercy Corps, USAID has set up four basic health units in Siran and Konch Valleys to provide primary health care and referrals to specialized hospitals. The number of people seeking medical attention has doubled since before the earthquake, the medical staff says, boosted by more accessible health care locations and 24-hour staff availability. Unit staffs include 16 male and female doctors and 12 male paramedics. Sixteen female nurses or lady health workers reach out to surrounding communities to create awareness of health services and provide hygiene training. Ambulance services with stretchers, oxygen delivery and other medical supplies transport patients to units or to specialized health facilities.

The Jambori unit, which includes a laboratory, a pharmacy, a vaccinations room and a patient ward, treats about 320 patients a day and is now moving from tents into permanent concrete and steel structures.

USAID's $400,000 support for Mercy Corps' health care program enables healthy communities and makes sure there is a doctor in the neighborhood for thousands of village residents.