Impact Blog Team
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Announcing USAID’s Open Data Policy
An Outsized Problem with a Small-sized Solution
Standing with Civil Society
Reducing Disaster Risk for All Generations
This year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction emphasizes the need to ensure that disaster planning and mitigation efforts are inclusive of all people, particularly the aging population. The day also recognizes the experience and knowledge that the aging population can bring to disaster preparedness–showing that all generations can learn from one another by working together before disasters strike to reduce risk and increase resilience.
At the Heart of Ebola — Health Systems That Need Strengthening
The Ebola epidemic reminds us that our global efforts to build the capacity to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to infectious disease threats like Ebola have never been more vital. If we use all of our might to ramp up the response to Ebola while also investing in strengthening critical health care systems, we can help bring the current epidemic under control and reduce the possibility of future outbreaks.
Washington Post Overly Alarmist on Liberia’s “Descent into Hell”
The Washington Post’s September 30 story of Liberia’s “descent into economic hell” was overly alarmist and disconnected from that country’s recent history. In fact, the Ebola crisis has hit a society that is on the rise economically and in the midst of constructing legitimate and effective government institutions.
Politically Smart Development
Earlier this month, Tony Blair, Patron of the Africa Governance Initiative, set out the case for politically smart and locally led aid which means identifying and working on reforms that political leaders really care about. By taking this politically realistic approach, we believe aid will be more effective and so will governments in developing countries.
Five Promising Innovations in Contraception
International Day of Democracy: Engaging Young People on Democracy
Young people play a vital role in our efforts to promote resilient, democratic societies. Youth are not only the “leaders of tomorrow,” but a driving force for change today. They often are more willing to take risks and push for democratic change when others have become apathetic, subservient to undemocratic regimes, or are risk averse.
The Power of Scientific Research Investment in Africa
Earlier this month, the New York Times published an op-ed arguing persuasively that scientific and technological progress is the key to African development. We are pleased to say that this vision is one that USAID fully supports and has already taken significant steps to catalyze. Today, Africans are the architects of their development, not just beneficiaries.
