Car Mechanic Expands Business in Mongolia

"This used to be just a big yard," said a smiling Shur-Erdene as he points to his new car repair garage. After he lost his job as a driver for a state-run business five years ago, he began using his car mechanic skills to feed his family. However, the winter months in Mongolia are harsh and everyone, including Shur-Erdene, could not work for months. He knew he needed a covered space to continue working during bad weather and expand his business, so he asked USAID's GER initiative for a loan.
[read more]

Natural Resource Management Improves Livelihoods and Preserves Biodiversity in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Sustainable development is key to preserving the rich biodiversity of the world's tropical coastal areas. Through proper coastal resource management, communities throughout the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi are enhancing their standards of living while preserving their natural environment. [more]

December 1, 2003 - World AIDS Day

Five people worldwide die of AIDS every minute of every day. In Asia and the Near East, 7.1 million people are HIV positive. Four hundred and fifty-seven thousand people in the region die annually from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses, accounting for about one-sixth of deaths worldwide.

While the numbers of those infected may seem low compared to Africa, they have the potential to explode. By 2010, Asia could lead the world with up to 40 million HIV-infected people. (read more)