USAID Delivers 131 Tons Of Food Aid To Uzbekistan

On January 23rd the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) delivered 131 tons of food aid to Uzbekistan. This will provide 6.5 million meals to citizens with tuberculosis and mental health problems, children with disabilities, and senior citizens, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan said. Speaking at the handover ceremony, USAID's mission director in Uzbekistan David Hoffman said: “This program demonstrates the strong ongoing partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States of America to improve nutrition and ensure that the most vulnerable have adequate, safe and nutritious food to support a healthy and productive life.” Since 2010, USAID’s International Food Relief Partnership program has delivered over 1,500 tons of food aid to Uzbekistan, worth more than $4.4 million, through USAID’s partners, the U.S. non-profit organization Resource and Policy Exchange and a Tashkent-based non-profit organization, Sog’lom Avlod Uchun. This latest humanitarian delivery to Uzbekistan builds on more than $122 million in long-term U.S. investment in health and over $1 billion in total aid over the past 20 years, the embassy said.

USAID Launches New Project to Empower Communities in Uzbekistan

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the Local Governance Activity in Uzbekistan, the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan has stated. Implemented by Chemonics International, the project will work closely with national government counterparts to improve the responsiveness and accountability of local governments, enhance citizen engagement, and promote a more inclusive and equitable decision-making processes. As a significant step towards strengthening collaboration and advancing local governance goals, the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan and USAID signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the project launch ceremony on December 14th. The MOU outlines the framework for collaboration between the two parties, focusing on enhancing the legal and regulatory environment for effective local governance, promoting citizen participation, and strengthening the capacity of local government institutions. “Empowering local communities to participate actively in governance is essential for building a more responsive and accountable government,” said USAID Mission Director in Uzbekistan, David Hoffman. “This activity will work to strengthen the voices of citizens, particularly women, youth, people with disabilities, and minority groups, ensuring that their needs are heard and addressed at a local level.” The Local Governance Activity will identify and address the diverse needs of various stakeholders, including citizens, entrepreneurs, marginalized populations, activists, influencers, media, and other government entities. Through this inclusive approach, the activity will ensure local governance reforms are tailored to the specific needs and realities of Uzbek communities. Additionally, it aims to strengthen collaboration with national counterparts, ensure that the project’s activities are aligned with the Uzbekistan Strategy 2030, and that outcomes are sustainable beyond the project’s lifespan. Through collaboration, innovation, technical expertise, and a focus on user-centered approaches, the Local Governance Activity will work to address the diverse needs of Uzbek communities and contribute to a more inclusive, responsive, and accountable government.