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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
USAID Awards Grant to Improve Health in Burundi
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-4320
2002-139
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 31, 2002Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation in the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, has awarded a $3 million, four-year grant to Population Services International (PSI) and CARE/Burundi to increase the capacity of local health sector NGOs in Burundi.
The grant to this partnership between PSI and CARE/Burundi is national in scope. It seeks to achieve several specific goals. Regarding non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the grant strives to strengthen the capacity of the local NGO "Population, Santé et Information," which began operating an HIV/AIDS prevention program in 1990, and develop relationships with local NGOs to improve information sharing and the development of best practices among the NGO community. The grant also will employ social marketing strategies to increase the use of successful approaches in maternal and child health and nutrition among low-income populations in seven provinces, and heighten malaria prevention and control through increased use of insecticide treated nets.
USAID also seeks with this grant to improve maternal and child health nutrition, reduce diarrheal disease through improved hygiene, and increase immunization coverage through communications and social mobilization in support of "National Immunization" days. Another vital component of the program calls for the distribution and sale of over 200,000 long-lasting insecticide treated nets (which would protect roughly 500,000 people), five million oral rehydration salts sachets, one million monthly doses of iron supplements for pregnant women, one million iron supplements for infants, 200,000 monthly multivitamin and iron supplements for young women, and 75,000 bottles of home water treatment, which includes a water storage vessel and a chemical solution to purify water.
"Years of insecurity exacerbated by a decade-long economic embargo have devastated maternal and child health in the country due to lack of food, shelter, health services, and basic educational infrastructure," said Roger Winter, USAID Assistant Administrator. "The United States, through the awarding of this grant, is seeking not only to utilize the experience of these two international organizations, but also develop the local capacity of Burundi's non-governmental sector."
A critical element in the success of this program is increasing the capacity of indigenous NGOs. PSI's expertise in social marketing will be complemented by CARE/Burundi to extend the reach of activities to the community level and increase capacity at the grassroots level. This will include expanding and strengthening community mobilization networks. In addition, training in community mobilization techniques will be provided to local partners.
U.S. Agency for International Development is the government agency that has provided humanitarian assistance and economic development worldwide for more than 40 years.
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Last Updated on: December 30, 2008 |
