Summary: Rapid population growth in developing countries impedes efforts to improve the quality of life. Many governmental, international, and private and voluntary organizations provide population assistance to an ever increasing number of countries.
The magnitude of the population problem, the increasing number of developing countries establishing population programs and seeking external assistance, and the many organizations involved in providing and carrying out such assistance combine to make effective coordination essential. Such coordination is needed to ensure that funds are applied to the highest priorities, that country programs are as efficient as possible, and that opportunities to reduce costs are identified and taken. GAO believes that for each recipient developing country, that country's government and the major donors should agree on a long range plan or strategy, effective coordinating leadership, and an appropriate division of program responsibilities. Such a division of responsibilities among the major donors, and specialization on the part of others providing assistance, will result in improved programs and also provide a mechanism for substantial cost savings by consolidating requirements for procurment of supplies and services.
