US Ambassador James F. Moriarty taking a test drive of an electric vehicle at Ravi Bhawan, Tuesday, June 05 07. nepalnews.com

US Ambassador James F. Moriarty taking a test drive of an electric vehicle…
US ambassador to Nepal James F. Moriarty on Tuesday praised the USAID for playing a significant role in improving the conditions of women in Nepal and supporting the victims of conflict to rebuild their lives.

Inaugurating a fair organised to celebrate USAID’s 56 years in Nepal, ambassador Moriarty said, “Through much sweat and dedication by USAID and its partners, Nepalis now have vastly improved health care and education services. We are very hopeful that the current political climate will allow more Nepalis to take advantage of USAID programs so that they may benefit and be empowered to improve their own lives.”

The fair in which government officials, members of the diplomatic, business, donors, NGO communities, including school and college students were invited, featured exhibition of historical photographs, presentations of street drama, among others.

On the occasion, USAID/Nepal Director Don Clark thanked USAID’s partners “whose efforts, commitment to Nepal, and professionalism, have translated the will of the American people to help people worldwide, into reality.” He also emphasised that it is USAID’s partnership with the Government of Nepal, and the Nepali people that have led to some remarkable development achievements since the 1950s, such as the eradication of malaria in the 1960s, and more recently, a 45% drop in the infant mortality rate in the last 10 years.

The one-day celebration at “Rabi Bhawan” highlighted the challenges and successes of USAID’s programs in health and family planning, economic growth, education, democracy and good governance, peace-building, and humanitarian assistance.

The U.S. Government, through USAID, extends assistance from the American people to peoples of other countries struggling to build better lives. This support ranges from helping to recover from a natural disaster to working to create a free and democratic nation. For 56 years, USAID/Nepal has provided assistance to the people of Nepal in the areas of conflict mitigation and peace building, democracy and governance, health and family planning, economic growth, and disaster and humanitarian aid.