HHS Delivers Interactive Talking Book to Afghanistan

[The Straight Story]

HHS Delivers Interactive Talking Book to Afghanistan

Secretary Thompson also announces $6 million for Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced the delivery of thousands of interactive women's health books built with the LeapPad® learning system technology to Afghanistan and an additional $6 million in aid to improve the health of the Afghan people.

Announced in August, and under development for nearly two years, the talking books provide important personal health information designed especially to help Afghan women who cannot read or write. Joining Secretary Thompson in delivering the LeapPad systems was Bhavin Shah, Director of New Business Development from LeapFrog Enterprises. The announcement was made at the Rabia Balki Hospital in downtown Kabul.

"Each time I visit Afghanistan I am touched by the warmth of the people and the hope in their eyes," Secretary Thompson said. "It's heartening to leave Afghans with this talking book, a lasting legacy, from the American people. I hope that these books and the new funding will be a signal to the Afghan people that Americans will remain by their side as they grow as a nation."

Secretary Thompson delivered the books and announced the new funding during his fourth visit to Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. During previous visits, Secretary Thompson reviewed and evaluated the health needs of the Afghan people and helped target assistance to people throughout the country -- especially Afghan women, whose health care was virtually ignored under the Taliban. Based on his fact-finding trips, Secretary Thompson led the campaign to engage HHS as a financial and instructional supporter of the Rabia Balkhi Hospital and associated clinics that serve women in Afghanistan.


http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2004pres/20041212.html