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USAID's Strategy in REDSO/ESA The Regional Economic Development Services Office for East
and Southern Africa (REDSO/ESA), which is based in Nairobi,
Kenya, covers countries in east and southern Africa, most
of which are among the poorest and least developed in the
world, with low or even negative economic growth rates.
The region is plagued by persistent problems of food insecurity,
with recurring food emergencies over substantial areas. Recurring
internal and cross-border conflicts with roots in historical
ethnic rivalries are aggravated by frequent drought, insufficient
resources and an influx of armaments. Inadequate and deteriorating
transport and communications infrastructure as well as policy
and bureaucratic barriers hamper interregional trade. Weak
leadership and pervasive corruption characterize many of the
countries of the region. Severe and growing health problems
including malaria, HIV/AIDS, and continued high levels of
maternal and child mortality have a debilitating impact on
economic growth. By emphasizing development of African solutions to problems
that transcend national borders, the REDSO/ESA program fully
supports U.S. national interests in the region. The reduction
of poverty, conflict and despair will lessen the likelihood
of the region serving as a breeding ground for recruits into
terrorist activities. Improved regional stability and economic
growth will facilitate progress in the global war on terrorism.
Economic cooperation and the opening of markets will promote
growth and increased opportunities for U.S. trade and investment,
in addition to lessening dependence on international humanitarian
assistance. Reducing the rate of transmission of HIV/AIDS
and other infectious diseases and improving health status
in the region will diminish the risk of further economic disruption,
political disintegration, impoverishment and conflict.
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