WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 15, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance began airlifting life-saving relief supplies to the Central African Republic (CAR), where ongoing violence has left an estimated 2.5 million people—more than half the country’s population—in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

The airlift is part of a series of flights that will deliver much-needed aid to underserved and insecure areas of CAR.  So far, USAID transported heavy-duty plastic sheeting to assist more than 17,000 Central Africans with emergency shelter needs, as well as 12,000 blankets, 6,000 kitchen sets, and 12,000 water containers.  USAID partner Catholic Relief Services will further distribute the critical supplies to areas where they are needed most.  Persistent violence, instability, and limited infrastructure in CAR have severely hampered relief efforts.  To overcome these challenges, USAID is planning additional airlifts in the coming weeks to ensure aid reaches more people in need. 

The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to CAR, providing nearly $67 million in fiscal year 2014 to date for critical food assistance, medical care, and relief supplies to those displaced by the violence within CAR, as well as those who have fled as refugees to neighboring countries.  The United States remains committed to helping the Central African people and improving the dire humanitarian situation in CAR.