Our Work

USAID is the leading provider of bilateral development assistance to the Palestinians, having provided more than $5.5 billion since 1994 for programs in the areas of economic growth; water and infrastructure; education and health; governance and civic engagement; and humanitarian assistance. USAID assistance supports a viable economy and improves the everyday lives of Palestinians.

Economic Growth and Infrastructure: USAID invests in Palestinian businesses to boost the local economy, increase jobs, and enhance opportunities in domestic and regional markets. USAID supports these businesses by increasing their access to capital; enhancing their competitiveness; providing technical assistance; improving the movement of people and cargo between Israel, West Bank, and Gaza; and reducing regulatory constraints.

Since 1994 USAID has been one of the largest donors in the infrastructure sector in the West Bank and Gaza. Activities include construction and rehabilitation of roads, clinics, schools, community facilities, water systems, and sanitation systems. In the water sector, USAID investments increase access to reliable water supplies, reduce water loss, improve access to sanitation systems, and facilitate the sustainable use of limited resources. USAID aims to improve access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy for households, social services, and businesses.

Health, Education, and Youth: USAID improves access to and delivery of essential services in health and education. In health, USAID interventions include minimizing the need for referrals; raising public awareness and promoting preventive actions and healthy behaviors; training health staff; and procuring necessary medical equipment. USAID also provides humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable populations by providing critical food assistance; delivering essential non-food items such as hygiene kits and medical supplies; and providing psychosocial support for conflict-affected children.

USAID provides new and increased learning opportunities for students by training teachers and principals with enhanced teaching methodologies; increasing student access to schools; enhancing school infrastructure; and working with universities on curriculum and career counselling for sustainable careers. USAID also provides higher education scholarships to support students completing their studies.

Governance and Civic Engagement: USAID enhances governance and public participation in the West Bank and Gaza by focusing on three separate, but complementary, areas: improve the delivery of and revenue for public services; foster greater checks and balances and accountability of key institutions; and invest in the Congressionally-mandated Conflict Management and Mitigation grants supporting Israelis and Palestinians collaborating on issues of common concern and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Humanitarian Assistance: USAID seeks to address basic human and humanitarian assistance needs in Gaza to promote stability and improve economic growth. USAID activities in Gaza include food assistance; providing access to clean water and healthcare; and economic development to improve the lives of Palestinians.