Press Releases
USAID Celebrates 30 Years of Helping the American People Improve Zambian Lives
April 25, 2008. Lusaka.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) today marked its 30th year in Zambia with an open house that both recalled past successes and looked optimistically towards the future. Since 1977, USAID has worked closely with the Government of Zambia and many other cooperating partners to help transform the lives of Zambians.
From its inception USAID programs have dealt with food aid, economic growth programs, community health, family planning, education and, recently, administering U.S. initiatives such the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative and the Millennium Challenge Account. Hundreds of millions of dollars from the American people are provided annually to improve the lives of Zambians.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador Carmen Martinez spoke about the three themes that have defined USAID’s first 30 years in Zambia: fighting poverty, promoting a liberalized economy, and responding to emerging development challenges. “The United States has stood with many countries around the globe in fighting the scourge of poverty,” said Ambassador Martinez, “and the fight will continue to the finish.”
The Ambassador praised the Zambian Government for the steps it has taken to embrace economic reforms, citing Zambia’s sustained growth and a stable economy as strong reasons to continue an aggressive reform agenda.
Despite 30 years of successful developmental work, current USAID Director Melissa Williams took the opportunity to look ahead. Citing USAID’s role in helping Zambia achieve its Fifth National Development Plan goals, Ms. Williams said that USAID looked forward to continuing to strengthen its strong partnership with the Zambian Government.
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