Mission Director Message

Working in cooperation with the Government of the Russian Federation, USAID is implementing programs that address global issues that affect both countries.  USAID/Russia has redesigned its web site to provide detailed program descriptions, up-to-date news and events, partner information, and success stories about our work in Russia.  I hope you will find it useful and informative.  

At a meeting during the G20 Summit in April 2009, Presidents Obama and Medvedev agreed that to further our common interests and address common challenges, the United States and Russia need to engage with each other at all levels of government and society.  USAID is helping to facilitate this cooperation between Russia and the United States.  Together, we are developing new approaches to stop the spread of HIV and TB, protect vulnerable children, and improve the lives of disabled persons. We also are working together to combat the flow of illegal funds through our banking systems and to implement necessary reforms in local governance and the judicial sector.  We are working together to help fight HIV/AIDS, both within Russia and in Africa, and are improving our preparedness to respond to emergencies and natural disasters globally.

USAID currently supports about 70 projects in cooperation with over 60 different Russian and American organizations throughout the country.  Since 2003, we have mobilized around $90 million from private partners to undertake this work.  Our alliances with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, educational institutions, and private companies strengthen our impact and contribute to our shared goals of improved health, security, and governance. 

Please take a look at our new web site to see some of the results of these partnerships.

Leon S. Waskin

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