 |
|
|
|
 |
| USAID Information:
External Links:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
West Bank/Gaza
SNAPSHOT
Population: 3.8 million
GDP per person: $1,120
Source: CIA World Factbook
USAID IN WEST BANK/GAZA www.usaid.gov/wbg
CONTACTS
Mission Director
Howard Sumka
U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv
PSC 98/Box 0026
APO AE 09830
Tel: 972-3-511-4848
Fax: 972-3-511-4888
Desk Officer
Sara Borodin
Desk Officer
Tel: (202) 712-4836
Email: sborodin@usaid.gov
Through USAID supported drip irrigation farming project, Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza are able to grow vegetables for home consumption and additional income. Overview
The United States is the leading provider of bilateral economic and development assistance to the Palestinians, having programmed an estimated $2.3 billion through USAID since 1994. Funding has supported programs in the areas of water and sanitation, infrastructure, education, health, economic growth, and democracy.
The United States also is committed to continuing assistance for basic human needs in both the West Bank and Gaza, including emergency food, health care, and access to safe water. In Gaza, much of this is accomplished through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Programs
Economic Growth
U.S. assistance promotes business and agricultural development, including increased Palestinian exports, through technical assistance and loan programs. The $12.1 million Palestinian Enterprise Development project has supported the formation of partnerships involving close to 130 Palestinian industries to increase exports, enable investment, provide training, generate employment, and improve quality standards. Over 500 university graduates have received job training through USAID’s Apprenticeship Training program.
Also, over 11,000 Palestinian agribusinesses, farmers, and fishermen have received assistance and training through the Palestinian Agribusiness Partnership Activity, which created nearly 1,400 jobs in farming and agribusiness.
Infrastructure
Road, water, and school construction projects all contribute to improvements in the infrastructure of the West Bank and Gaza. The United States is funding the construction of 2.3 kilometers of Qalandia road, the main traffic artery between Ramallah and Jerusalem. This road will improve the travel and transport conditions for thousands of Palestinians. The $40 million Bani Naim water project in the Hebron Governorate will provide 600,000 people with regular water services. USAID's Emergency Jobs program will build and renovate public schools.
Humanitarian Assistance
To respond to emergencies and reduce poverty, the United States provides emergency food, health care, and access to safe water and sanitation. The United States also contributes to the World Food Program and to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency’s West Bank and Gaza Emergency Appeal.
Since May 2006, USAID has provided over $7.2 million in emergency medical assistance to approximately 60 Palestinian NGO clinics and 12 NGO hospitals, as well as to Ministry of Health hospitals and facilities. Since September 2006, $35.3 million in cash assistance to the World Food Program has helped approximately 304,000 Palestinians meet basic nutritional requirements. USAID’s Emergency Water and Sanitation program has improved water accessibility for over 1.8 million Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
Investing In People
Through its Mother and Child Health Care project, USAID works to improve the health of 60 percent of the most vulnerable Palestinian women of reproductive age and children under five. The Model Schools program will create an advanced curriculum and teaching techniques in private schools, aiming to develop a model for use in other Palestinian schools. As part of the $8.8 million Palestinian Faculty Development program, which aims to improve higher education, 32 scholars started doctoral studies at U.S. universities and seven scholars have pursued short-term training at U.S. universities. The United States also has provided 69 Master’s degree scholarships for study in the United States.
Peace and Security
With its border improvement projects, the United States is helping ease the movement of Palestinian people and goods, while improving Israel’s security. In the fall of 2007, USAID awarded three grants supporting peace and coexistence projects between Palestinians and Israelis. USAID is also assisting the Palestinian Monetary Authority in tracking financial transactions to prevent financial crimes and money laundering.
Governing Justly and Democratically
One U.S. goal is to promote moderation in the political arena. USAID provides training for independent media and assistance to civil society organizations. In November 2007, USAID’s Local Democratic Reform program equipped and renovated public notary offices in Ramallah and Nablus, enabling them to serve the Palestinian public more effectively.
Back to Top ^
|
