April 12: An article in the Washington Business Journal wrote that USAID will increasingly give contracts to companies in the countries where the projects are performed. Administrator Shah said that, “Instead of continuing to sign large contracts with large contractors, we are accelerating our funding to local partners who have the cultural knowledge and in-country expertise to deliver lasting, durable growth.”
April 13: Voice of America reports that USAID has launched “Saving Lives At Birth: A Grand Challenge for Development” in partnership between the Agency, the Norwegian government, the Gates Foundation, Global Challenges Canada, and the World Bank. The Grand Challenge focuses on reducing the number of deaths among mothers and infants in developing countries as part of the drive to improve global health.
