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Peace Advanced in the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes
The Horn of Africa and Great Lakes regions are characterized by failed or weakly governed states that are vulnerable to emerging violent ideologies and conflict over natural resources. USAID helps promote the creation of a strong regional framework for conflict mitigation, especially to address cross-border security problems and is strengthening the capacity of African institutions to reduce cross border insecurity.
Increased Regional Trade and Integration
USAID/ East Africa serves some of the world’s poorest nations. Economic growth throughout the region is inhibited by a poor business climate, high transport and energy costs and low on-farm productivity levels. USAID/East Africa works with bilateral missions and regional organizations to promote broad-based economic growth by supporting increased regional integration and trade; reductions in the cost of doing business; increased agricultural productivity; and by helping to raise incomes. USAID/EA is supporting improved agriculture and food security through the President’s Feed the Future Initiative and is working to increase the efficiency of regional transport corridors.
Addressing food security crises in Eastern and Central Africa
U.S. support for overseas food aid was formalized in the Agricultural and Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, also known as P.L. 480 or “Food for Peace.” On a global level, more than 800 million people today are chronically undernourished, and more than 180 million children are significantly underweight. For the United States Government, reducing the number of chronically undernourished and underweight people throughout the world is both a humanitarian concern and a strategic goal. The P.L. 480 Title II program, administered by USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP), is the largest source of resources within the U.S. Government available to focus on the problem of food insecurity in the developing world.
A Healthier Population in the East Africa Region Achieved through African Leadership
Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are among the poorest in the world, with extremely high rates of infant, child and maternal mortality. Malaria and TB are rampant killers. Many women in the region bear up to six children and few have access to family planning services. Over 6 million adults and 600,000 children in the region are living with HIV/AIDS and millions of children have become orphans due to HIV/AIDS. The severity of health threats, the inadequacies of overburdened public health care systems and the inability of struggling economies to cope with the burden make it difficult for governments in the region to deal with the challenges.
Last updated8 Feb 2013
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