"These projects demonstrate the strong partnership and commitment of the EC and the UN to work with national partners in making a difference in the lives of the people of Uzbekistan", Anita Nirody, head of the UN Office in Uzbekistan, said.

The Enhancement of Living Standards (ELS) project, implemented by the UNDP, increases the capacity of local authorities and communities for local development planning. It also helps improve people’s access to basic services and increases opportunities for income generation. ELS kicked off in 2005. Today, more than 500, 000 lives have been changed for the better by it.

With UNICEF, the EC is helping save mothers and babies lives through improving medical professionals methods, providing training centre’s and encouraging families to use the better care available to them. It kicked off in July 2008 and by December 2010 14,000 health professionals will helping cut infant and maternal mortality rates across Uzbekistan.

The two projects operate in 8 of Uzbekistan’s 14 regions; Fergana, Karakalpakstan, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Syrdarya, and Navoi. Both projects support the Government of Uzbekistan’s efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.