Economic Growth: USAID helps to reduce regulatory and administrative constraints for businesses by facilitating dialogue between the government and the private sector (Pragma), supports small and medium enterprises, business associations, commercial law reform (Pragma), and microfinance (EBRD, ACDI/VOCA). To expand regional trade, USAID facilitates Tajikistan’s accession to the WTO, focusing on reduction of trade barriers and expanded access to market information. The Ministry of Finance receives assistance on budgetary and macroeconomic issues, the State Tax Committee - on tax administration, and the National Bank – on monetary policy and banking supervision (Bearing Point). To allow for secure land use, USAID helps to improve the land tenure legislation and assists farmers to protect their land rights (Chemonics). Farmers also receive assistance to improve management of on-farm water and irrigationnetworks and increase agricultural production (Winrock International). To develop a regional electricity market and help the government reform Tajikistan’s electricity sector, USAID works to establish a transparent, competitive electricity market; increase electricity trade; and introduce market-based solutions for transboundary water disputes (US Energy Association).

Investing in People: USAID supports the health system reforms in Tajikistan to create quality, client-oriented, cost-effective primaryhealth care services. Projects help to introduce more effective healthsystems financing and evidence-based medicine, as well as improve maternal, child, and reproductive health. To improve TB treatment, prevention, and control, USAID supports the implementation of the National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program and development of treatment models for multi-drug resistant TB. Assistance is also provided in implementing HIV grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria; and training of health professionals and officials in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and policy-making. USAID also assists the government’s efforts to combat avian influenza. Key implementers: Abt Associates; John Snow, Inc.; Project Hope; Population Services International; DAI; KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation. Assistance in the education system focuses on implementation of Tajikistan’s national education strategy and the Education for All Fast Track Initiative Grant. USAID helps apply modern methodologies in teaching and student assessment; introduce the transparent and efficient school finance and management systems; enhance participation of teachers in curriculum development; and address teacher shortages (Creative Associates).

Governing Justly and Democratically:  To strengthen civil society, promote accountable local governance, and increase access to information USAID provides training, assistance, and small grants (Urban Institute). The Tajik government receives support in implementing the Public Administration Reform Strategy which provides for local government reforms, while the Presidential Working Group is assisted in revising related legislation. Print and broadcast media receive training, production support, and legal advice. USAID also provides television content from all 5 Central Asian countries to the region’s audiences, trains democratic political parties, and supports public legal education. An anti-trafficking program works on prevention activities and supports shelters for trafficking victims, including country’s first shelter for minors (IOM). USAID also strengthens NGO capacity, facilitates their interactions with local governments, and assists the development of an effective legal framework for NGO operations (PACT/ICNL, ABA/CEELI, Internews, Adil Soz, and NDI). Professionals from various sectors receive opportunities for three-week trainings in the United States (World Learning).

For Food for Peace:  USAID helps the poorer, more vulnerable communities to meet their food and income needs and move from subsistence farming into the market economy. Health practitioners are trained to deliver quality health and nutritional services to poor communities. Mothers are taught about breastfeeding, child care, hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. Pregnant women, mothers, and children receive supplementary food and de-worming medication. USAID also helps upgrade health centers, constructs and repairs community water and sewage facilities, trains communities in safe water management and basic health care. In support of basic education of rural communities, USAID provides school lunches, food supplements, parasitic medication, school health care for common illnesses; helps rehabilitate sanitary facilities; and mobilizes communities to address school needs (Care International, Mercy Corps, and Save the Children).