Management Problems With AID's Health-Care Projects Impede Success

The Agency for International Development (AID) is the principal U.S. Government agency that provides health assistance. Indirectly, the Department of State and many other U.S. Government agencies also support international health programs by channeling funds to international organizations and programs such as the United Nations Development Program. Recognizing that previous health assistance programs have not achieved their desired results because they concentrated on sophisticated urban-based curative measures, the government shifted U.S. interests to an emphasis on preventive health care in the rural areas of developing countries. GAO undertook a review of selected AID projects to determine the extent to which greater access to health care services has been achieved and the implementation problems which must be overcome to realize the long-term goal of improved health. Additionally, it examined the prospects of the efforts continuing after AID involvement terminates to ensure effective use of limited resources.