Overview
With an estimated 190 million people, Brazil’s population ranks fifth in the world and largest in Latin America. Its vast natural resources and its large labor pool reinforce why it is considered a regional leader and one of Latin America’s economic powers.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) establishes cooperation agreements and partners with local organizations aiming to aid Brazil with projects addressing
challenges in sectors such as environment, health and economy.
USAID/Brazil is preserving natural ecosystems, promoting sustainable forest management, and mitigating climate change; promoting clean, alternative energy; technologies; supporting efforts to prevent and control tuberculosis; reducing crime and improving social and economic inclusion through at-risk youth employability initiatives; combating trafficking in persons and assisting victims; and promoting trade-led small business growth and employment.
Programs
Environment:
USAID aims to increase benefits to rural poor and shape land-use trends over large geographic areas, especially the Amazon, while mitigating the global impact of climate change and biodiversity loss; improve sustainable natural forest management practices; develop markets for environmental goods and services to provide tangible economic benefits for poor communities; and monitor and design sustainable landscapes enhancing environmental and socioeconomic benefits incorporated into government planning and policies.
Energy:
USAID seeks to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies to mitigate global climate change and to expand the socio-economic benefits of clean, reliable power; assist the Government of Brazil to design public policies that facilitate the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies; support renewable energy and energy efficiency demonstration projects; and enhance related cooperation between U.S. and Brazilian firms and public institutions.
Health:
USAID assists the Ministry and State Secretariats of Health in the implementation of a tuberculosis control program by expading Directly Observed Therapy Short-course (DOTS) coverage; supporting research to assess multi-drug resistance and TB/HIV co-morbidity; and involving NGOs in prevention and control efforts.
Disadvantaged Youth:
USAID assistance seeks to promote economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth through technology-based training, related life skills support, job placement assistance, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The program also offers marketable skills training for at-risk youth and increases youth access to formal market employment opportunities.
TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS:
USAID seeks to curb trafficking in persons (TIP) for sexual exploitation and forced labor purposes by providing related training to law enforcement and judicial officials. USAID also strengthens social service delivery networks that assist TIP and sexual exploitation victims and supports the improvement of shelter facilities.
Economic Growth:
USAID aims to reduce economic inequity by stimulating trade-led micro and small entreprise (MSE) growth and employment. USAID enhances public/private sector understanding of benefits of trade and trade liberalization; improves regulatory environment and government policies, increases access to credit and market information; and provides related technical assistance to ignite MSE trade-led growth. |