clinician, and rural fertility rates are much higher than the 3.5 rate reported nationally. HIV/AIDS is an emerging problem. While only 9,264 persons were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS from 1984 to 2001, these numbers do not convey the current reality: hospitals around the country are now reporting one new case of HIV per day.

These problems were exacerbated by a series of earthquakes in 2001 that damaged or destroyed one fourth of the government-sponsored health clinics relied upon by the poorest of the poor. Some key health indicators have declined markedly since the earthquakes, particularly in maternal and infant health.

The overall objective of USAID's Health Program in El Salvador is to improve the health of Salvadorans, primarily women, youth and children.  This is being accomplished by increasing the quality and use of health services and practices.  The Health Program includes activities in the following areas:

Child Survival: Reduced child mortality and morbidity through expanded coverage of primary health care services, prevention and treatment of respiratory illnesses and diarrhea, improved nutrition and breastfeeding and improved quality of perinatal care.