Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, May 7 / Trend , G.Hasanov/
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which marks the 15th anniversary of its activities in Turkmenistan, has allocated over $80 million to Ashgabat since 1993, an official Turkmen source reported.
The source said, these funds have been allotted as part of programs to support economic growth, social sector and community initiatives, access to information, health and education.
On May 7, more than 200 representatives of the Turkmen government, donors, local and international, as well as civil society organizations assembled in Ashgabat to mark the 15th anniversary of the American agency's activities.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, the acting U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Richard Miles said that the agency is a leading agency of the U.S. government, through which the United States cooperates with Turkmenistan in the field of development.
Over the years, USAID supported the reform of Turkmenistan in the banking sector, cooperated in the development of new tax policies, and contributed to the improvement of the health sector and many other fields.
In particular, USAID cooperated in the fight against hepatitis B, diphtheria, HIV and other infectious diseases, as well as contributed to the improvement of ambulance services. Some medical centers were opened with participation of the agency to improve the skills of family physicians, administrators of health institutions and professionals on tuberculosis.
Moreover, USAID worked with the Turkmen government to improve health services to reduce infant and child mortality, as well as to improve the quality of primary health care and maternal health. A new method of treatment of TB DOTS, which the agency tested in 2001, is currently being used in the whole the country.
USAID continues to assist in the transition of Turkmenistan to the international financial reporting standards. Small businesses and farmers have received assistance to improve productivity, while youth has the opportunity to acquire knowledge in economics and business through a program of "Junior Achievement", financed by USAID.
US President Kennedy formed USAID in 1961 in order the U.S. government to provide international assistance. At present, it functions in more than 100 countries around the world.
Numerous communities and local authorities of Turkmenistan have worked closely with the agency in improving the infrastructure and services in the country. Approximately 500 grants issued by USAID, have contributed to the construction of health houses and roads, water and sanitary facilities, as well as providing services for the benefit of more than a million people. One of such projects was a water purifying plant, built by USAID in Dashoguz in 1995 for more than 100,000 residents of Turkmenbashi region.
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