Azernews.Az

US Agency for International Development (USAID) will continue in 2012 to work with the Azerbaijani government and support projects in areas of democracy and governance, economic growth and health, USAID Baku Office told Trend news agency on Monday.

"In 2011, USAID spent 18.4 million USD to support over 15 projects, including the above-mentioned projects," the agency said.

Through a new Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA), launched in 2011, USAID will support 150 infrastructure projects in more than 100 communities, revitalize and establish Community Development Councils (CDC), and strengthen CDCs' capacity through training, networking, information and experience sharing. The aim of SEDA is to contribute to the advancement of the socio-economic development at the regional level in Azerbaijan. This project is co-financed by the government of Azerbaijan.

Also, USAID will support the government’s efforts to combat human trafficking by working together with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

USAID's new two-year Women's Participation Program seeks to improve the status of women in Azerbaijan by raising public awareness on issues important to women, advancing women's influence in the political process and developing the capacity of civil society organizations and government institutions that work on women's issues.

Three-year Azerbaijan Competitiveness and Trade project will continue to support the government’s efforts toward WTO accession, meeting international best practices in anti-money laundering efforts and combating financing of terrorism. It will also be in line with international trade requirements for select agricultural products, and will improve the legislative framework to encourage more investment and growth in Azerbaijan. This project is also co-financed with the Azerbaijani government.

USAID's new Azerbaijan Strengthening Health Systems Program will place emphasis on comprehensive national health system reforms, evidence-based, best practices in health system management and health care delivery to improve health in Azerbaijan.