Weekly Briefing (6/27/2011 – 7/1/2011)
June 27 In a recent report on U.S. Leadership in Global Agricultural Development, Voice of America reported that the U.S. is in the position to lead global efforts on food security. Through the Feed the Future Initiative, led by USAID, a new emphasis is being placed on agricultural development and sustainability, as opposed to food aid alone.
June 27 Voice of America reports that at the recent donor pledging conference for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, or GAVI, USAID will be donating $450 million over the next three years to help save 4 million lives by 2015. “Our commitment to GAVI will prevent the deaths of millions of children, and will increase global stability and strengthen our national security,” said USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah.
June 29 Harvest Public Media reported that at the International Food Aid and Development Conference, USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah addressed the group of experts, stating that targeted humanitarian aid is far less costly than dealing with the social instability and riots a lack of food can create. Shah also acknowledged that the Obama Administration’s Feed the Future Initiative will attack hunger with a broad brush—putting money not only into emergency feeding programs, but also into research.
