Yet other specific funds have become important foci in U.S. foreign assistance. These include the Child Survival and Disease Programs Fund, the International Disaster Assistance Account, the Development Fund for Africa, and specific funds to assist Europe and Eurasia. Let me introduce these Funds. Over this same period of time, we have seen a 20 percent reduction in under-five mortality, from 145 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1985 to about 116 per 1,000 today. Deaths from measles have been cut in half, from some 2 million in years past to about 970,000 in 1998.
All countries experience natural disasters at one time or another, even our own.
The American people have made it clear that they want to help. Helping victims of disasters and emergencies is not only the right thing to do, it is in our interest to do so. Quick relief prevents disease epidemics, it promotes political stability, and it helps developing countries return to pursuing their goals of economic growth and institution building. I lived in Africa for eight years, most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania. It is a fascinating and complex continent, but it needs our support.