Overview

USAID assistance to Madagascar supports the U.S. foreign policy goals of promoting good governance and market-driven growth as mechanisms to improve management of Madagascar's unique natural resources, reduce poverty, and improve the health of the general population. A successful program will have numerous benefits, such as reducing vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, improving the country's ability to manage natural disasters, and enhancing its attractiveness as a commercial partner for the U.S.

The goal of the FY 2006-FY 2011 County Strategy is "Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development." This goal builds up on previous USAID success in Madagascar, and aligns well with host county priorities. U.S. foreign policy, and USAID Agency goals. This statement underscores the importance of economic and democratic transformation that benefits all segments of Malagasy society and is sustainable, both environmentally and in its respect for the aspirations of the Malagasy people.

USAID/Madagascar is composed of three program areas:

• "Use of Selected Health Services and Products Increased, and Practices Improved" (Health, Population and Nutrition, or HPN);
• "Biologically Diverse Forest Ecosystems Conserved" (Environment and Rural Development, or Env/RD)
• "Governance in Targeted Areas Improved" (Democracy and Governance, or DG);

The Health, Population and Nutrition program area emphasizes the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), public health systems strengthening, and expansion of private sector health services to continue to improve child, maternal, and reproductive health and nutrition. USAID health interventions endeavor to increase demand for, and availability of targeted health services and products; improve the quality of selected health services; and strengthen the institutional capacity of public and private partners to implement health programs. The overall impact of USAID health sector assistance is enhanced by the integration of Food for Peace resources which reinforce core maternal and child health interventions.

The Environment and Rural Development program area focuses on conserving the biological diversity of Madagascar 's forest ecosystems. Past experience in this area has demonstrated that the most effective way to do this is through an integrated conservation and development approach which targets specific eco-regions. The USAID "eco-regional" approach protects biodiversity habitats by linking sustainable management of natural resources with environmentally sensitive development, thus improving people's livelihoods. In turn, this approach helps to improve local and national forest management systems; maintain the biological Integrity of critical habitats; increase the adoption of alternatives to slash and burn agriculture; increase private sector investment in Natural Resource Management; and improve Environmental Governance throughout Madagascar.

The Democracy and Governance program works across sectors to deepen and strengthen civil society, increase the flow of information to citizens and local leaders, and strengthen the government's ability to respond to citizens' demands. In addition to these core objectives, the USAID democracy portfolio consists of special initiatives that include anti-corruption, women's legal rights, basic education, and information and communication technology development in Madagascar .