Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

What is USAID?

How long has USAID been working in Russia?

What does USAID do in Russia?

What approaches does USAID/Russia use?

What is USAID's budget in Russia?

How does USAID encourage U.S.-Russian cooperation globally?

Answer

What is USAID?

The United States Agency for International Development is the lead agency of the U.S. government providing development aid and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries around the world.

How long has USAID been working in Russia?

• USAID has been working in Russia since 1992.
• During the past 15 years, USAID has provided $2.6 billion dollars in support of social and economic projects to improve the lives of the Russian people.

What does USAID do in Russia?

• USAID partners with Russian and international organizations in the areas of health, child welfare, civil society, rule of law, local governance, and community development.
• USAID currently supports over 80 projects being implemented by almost 70 different Russian and international organizations.
• Through USAID, the United States supports projects addressing issues that are vitally important to both our countries, including: the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis; the improvement of child health and welfare; increased citizen dialogue with government; and the development of microfinance opportunities.
• USAID programs support the activities of local Russian institutions and organizations, encourage Russian partners to disseminate their knowledge and experience to new regions across the country, and foster exchanges of best practices between U.S. and Russian experts.

What approaches does USAID/Russia use?

• USAID works in partnership with Russia and Russians at all levels.
• USAID uses a range of approaches such as public-private partnerships, expert exchanges, and training programs to develop and disseminate successful models and best practices.

What is USAID's budget in Russia?

• The total budget for USAID/Russia in 2008 was $76.6 million.
• As Russia grows economically and is increasingly able and willing to invest in improving the welfare of its citizens, USAID's budget has and will continue to decrease.

How does USAID encourage U.S.-Russian cooperation globally?

• USAID fully supports Russia's progress towards a healthy, inclusive and well-governed society that is a strong and effective partner for the United States on global issues.
• While USAID is often associated with its work responding to international disasters and humanitarian needs in lower income countries, USAID is fundamentally an agency that supports international technical cooperation between the U.S. and foreign governments and between American organizations and their foreign counterparts. This role is paramount in Russia where there are great opportunities for partnership in areas of global concern, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
• Under the Bratislava Initiative, which was launched to promote joint efforts in countering the global spread of HIV/AIDS, Russian and American specialists have worked together in Africa to strengthen laboratory capacity in Namibia and Ethiopia. Joint planning teams have also been sent to Tanzania and Botswana.