USAID's 2010 Support to Djibouti Largest Since 2003
U.S. and Djiboutian Governments Sign Agreements to Strengthen Partnership and Continue to Promote Positive Impact in Health, Education, Democracy and Good Governance
Djiboutiville- The United States Ambassador in Djibouti, Ambassador James Swan, and the Resident Representative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Djibouti, Ms. Stephanie Funk, today signed four bilateral agreements with the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, represented by the Djiboutian Minister for International Cooperation, Mr. Ahmed Ali Silay.
These bilateral agreements cover four sectors: Health, Education, Democracy and Good Governance and total approximately U.S. $7 million. Additional support from USAID/Washington that reduces malnutrition, provides food aid and supports girls' education, increases the total 2010 budget for Djibouti to an estimated U.S. $11 million, nearly doubling last year's contribution and making it the largest support by USAID to the Government of Djibouti since 2003.
Ambassador Swan noted, "These agreements are a testimony to the positive changes taking place in Djibouti. The improved health and education indicators being tallied in this country are a direct result of the effective partnership between the Government of the United States and the Republic of Djibouti and between the citizens of these two great nations. I look forward to seeing continued progress in the coming year."
Health resources will continue to support the Ministry of Health's efforts to eradicate polio and control Tuberculosis (TB). Over the past three years, USAID's support to the National Tuberculosis Program contributed to doubling the number of TB diagnostic and treatment centers, and Djibouti moving from having the world's second highest to third highest TB prevalence rate. This year, a new program will strengthen good governance in the health sector by improving systems and procedures to guide performance; building capacity in financial management and service delivery; and strengthening the Health
Information Management System for planning and budgeting.
In education, USAID's continued support to Djibouti's Education Information Management System contributed to the production of reliable statistics that have illustrated significant education achievements over the last few years. For example, the primary school Gross Enrollment Rate increased from 67% in 2007 to 72% in 2009 and the gender gap has closed from 75 girls enrolled for every 100 boys in 2003 to 86 girls for every 100 boys in 2009. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, USAID now focuses on the quality of teaching and learning, training over 1,200 teachers each school year in new teaching techniques and thereby contributing to an improvement in the quality of education for primary students. Training programs for out-of-school youth have also had a positive impact in building marketable professional skills, especially for females in fields that have been traditionally dominated by males.
In the Democracy sector, the U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Djibouti, the Electoral Commission, political parties and civil society in the run up to the planned March 2011 Presidential and Regional Council elections. The first of four international observation missions will visit Djibouti in October and others will follow throughout the electoral season.
Minister of Cooperation Ahmed Silay assured those in attendance of the Republic of Djibouti's continued commitment to this partnership and to continuing to improve the quality of life for all Djiboutian citizens.
For more information please contact:
funks@state.gov
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