The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds programs that help people living in the West Bank and Gaza lead healthier and more productive lives.

Since 1993, Palestinians have received more than $1.7 billion in U.S. economic assistance via USAID projects - more than from any other donor country..

USAID's new $320 million program for FY 06 is re-focused on the foundations of economic and political stability. In April 2006, humanitarian assistance was increased 57% to meet emergency requirements for medicine and food. In addition, the program will invest in higher quality education and expanded judicial reform. Strong team work and capable partners enable USAID to deliver assistance quickly and cost-effectively.

USAID operates in the following program areas:

• HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
  - Health and Food -
  USAID puts a priority on the daily health care and nutrition needs of the most vulnerable Palestinians - mothers and children under age five. Plans include:
  Emergency assistance estimated at $30 million to health care facilities providing rehabilitative, primary care, or other essential clinical services.
  Support for some 250 clinics and NGOs for improved maternal and child health.
  $27 million in food assistance for 20,000 non-refugee Palestinian families will be met through the World Food Program and through Food for Work Activities.
  Procurement of $1 million of pharmaceuticals and supplies for dialysis support to twelve hospitals and one NGO clinic.
  - Water and Sanitation Services -
  Small-scale emergency repair of water, sanitation, and solid waste services to address urgent public health problems.
• PROMOTING DEMOCRATIC REFORM
  USAID supports the development of a Palestinian democracy through the establishment of a modern and effective judiciary, increased civil society participation, greater legislative transparency and accountability, and electoral administration assistance. In 2006, USAID will:
  Strengthen and equip an independent Palestinian media to increase public awareness of domestic and foreign policies.
  Support civil society organizations to improve their ability to monitor and report on government policies and expenditures.
• TRAINING, HIGHER EDUCATION, AND YOUTH
  USAID supports higher education and training opportunities for Palestinians in the forthcoming period by:
  Providing 2,200 scholarships to Al Quds University students in sectors critical to Palestinian development.
  Funding 47 Master's degree scholarships In the United States.
  Modernizing computer labs and performing staff training at private community colleges and technical institutes.
• REVITALIZING THE PRIVATE SECTOR
  USAID is helping to stabilize and invigorate existing businesses and stimulate new micro and small business development. Program focuses on:
  Assistance to small and medium enterprises through a loan guanrantee program, Development Credit Authority.
  Assistance to small and medium enterprises through the provision of firm level technical assistance and capacity building to business and trade associations.
  Assistance to small farmers and agribusiness for greater productivity and trade.
  Launch micro-enterprise loan program to provide humanitarian support for low income families.
  Improvement of border security and trade with Israel and other countries.
• TRANSITION INITIATIVES
  The West Bank and Gaza Transition Initiative is a dynamic and flexible program that supports key US Government policy initiatives. The post-election strategy will provide small grant support for the following activities:
  Expand opportunities for Palestinian citizens to communicate their expectations to their government.
  Increase the capacity of democratic actors and community leaders to assist Palestinian society meet its aspirations.
• USAID's Accomplishments in 2005-2006:
  - The US Government has provided at least 33% of UNRWA's emergency appeal budget for the last five years, ensuring support for clinics, schools, and emergency housing.
  - Delivered $60,125 in equipment and supplies for 5 emergency departments at major Palestinian hospitals (2 in West Bank, 2 in Gaza, and 1 in East Jerusalem).
  - Constructed/rehabilitated over 21 roads in the West Bank and Gaza, totaling over 75.3 km., and generating approximately 132,651 person-days of employment.
  - Disbursed over 380 home improvement loans totaling $1,957,680, improving the lives of 1,900 Palestinians, and generating 56,076 person-days of employment.
  - Modernized 16 community colleges and vocational schools, through computer system upgrades and new occupational training equipment.
  - Organized dozens of workshops and conferences on topics ranging from enforcement of court decisions and voter education, to strategy planning on empowerment of local authorities.
  - Renovated the President's official press briefing area at the Muqata'a in Ramallah, constructed a media center in Gaza and a mobile press unit, and trained Palestinian Media Center staff on the operation of all three.
  - Provided vital technical solutions and equipment to open the Rafah Border Crossing for passenger traffic and potential export shipments.
  - USAID financed the studies of 57 university students through the Presidential Scholars Program.
  - Implementation of public safety drives, including mobilizing over 6000 citizens in 4 anti-violence campaigns and coordinating 21 security-related public forums.
  - Repaired and equipped 200 youth, sport and computer centers.

Last updated on November 7, 2006.