CAIRO: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has commended Egypt on its success in reducing child and maternal mortality. James Beaver, Director of USAID, made the statement during a speech to more than 200 healthcare leaders gathered at a conference called, ‘Mini-University: the development of systems and change patterns of public health in Egypt.' The meeting marked thirty years of US-Egyptian partnership aimed at achieving better health for Egyptian families. Beaver said he had recently met with Dr Hatem Al Gabali, Egypt's Minister of Health, on ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of health and human development in Egypt, noting the large number of healthcare workers and NGOs involved in those fields. Beaver said USAID does not provide aid to charities, but rather plays a vital role of investing U.S. taxpayer dollars in countries such as Egypt to achieve the best return for development. The volume of USAID money amounted to $250 million this year, invested in infrastructure, health, education. Beaver said USAID looks forward to cooperating with Egypt's Ministry of Family and Population. BM