Usaid project to reduce child mortality rate

The United States Agency for International Development (Usaid) has announced a multi-billion dollar project to save from preventable deaths about half a million children in Malawi and other poor countries by end 2015.
In a press statement dated June 25 2014 made available to The Nation, Usaid administrator Rajiv Shah says they are partnering with different organisations in a $2.9 billion project to reduce child mortality rate which is “one of the greatest development challenges”.
“Every day this year, 17 000 more children will live and 700 more mothers will survive childbirth than 20 years ago. We are partnering with foundations, NGOs [non-governmental organisations], faith-based communities and local leaders to end preventable child and maternal deaths,” reads the statement in part.
The agency will also formulate an action plan, which will prioritise the most-at-risk families in the most vulnerable countries.
“Usaid is also expected to launch new public/private partnerships and awards with representatives from the governments of all 24 priority countries running under the theme ‘Ending Preventable Child and Maternal Deaths’,” reads the statement.