USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah arrived in Geneva January 26 for a 2-day visit focused on coordinating with international partners to strengthen global development outcomes. Dr Shah will attend the first meeting of the World Health Organization Commission on Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health. Dr Shah will conduct a bilateral meeting with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who is a Commission Co Chair. Following this meeting, Dr Shah will engage in discussions with several global health leaders, including: UNAIDS, the Global Fund, GAVI and the Stop TB Partnership.
On January 27, Dr Shah will lead a “Conversation on the Modern Development Enterprise” hosted by the US Mission. Last week Dr Shah delivered a major address, highlighting a savings of $65 million over five years in operational costs, addressing the current state of development and formally announcing the Agency’s 50th anniversary. The speech also launched the Agency’s new policy for evaluation. The conversation at the Mission will focus on these key themes.
Also on January 27, Dr Shah will participate in a U.S.-Russia protocol signing on a shared commitment to eradicate polio. The Administrator concludes his visit with a roundtable consultation with global health leaders on key priorities in the next five years, and the importance of following through to ensure results.