Foreign Assistance Reform

Global Health Council Members, Development Community Weigh In
On Foreign Assistance Reform
http://www.globalhealth.org/view_top.php3?id=638

As the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress begin their work in 2009, Global Health Council members and many foreign assistance-related groups worldwide have been calling for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign assistance delivery. The Council has been participating in community meetings on foreign assistance reform, the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act, a comprehensive U.S. development strategy and a comprehensive global health strategy. The Council will keep its membership updated on these meetings.

Click here for a memorandum outlining the Council's principles for foreign assistance reform. http://www.globalhealth.org/images/pdf/2009_transition/20090211_foreign_assistance_reform.pdf

During the presidential transition, the Council recommended that the Obama Administration quickly advance a comprehensive, five-year global health policy; reinvigorate the role of the Special Assistant for International Health Affairs at the National Security Council; and create the position of Global Health Director with ambassadorial rank. Click here (PDF) for the Council's recommendations to President Obama's transition team, which were presented during meetings in December 2008.

Several other organizations have published reports and/or are engaged in advocacy efforts around U.S. foreign assistance reform. Some of them are listed below. Note: The information contained on the pages do not necessary reflect the views of the Council.
Bread for the World Offering of Letters Campaign
Brookings Institution's Foreign Assistance Reform Page
InterAction's Foreign Assistance Reform Resources
Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN)
Oxfam America's Aid Reform Initiative
The Council previously examined the effect on global health of Bush Administration changes to USAID and the State Department. View findings.