Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Ms. Bossenmaier, to you and your colleagues for being here today.
I want to begin by reiterating some of the remarks of my colleague Ms. Block, who spoke about the significant positive impact that our government's maternal and child health program is having on countries and people in the developing world. I have been fortunate enough in the last two years to visit both Ethiopia and South Sudan. In Ethiopia in particular, the focus of my visit was to observe first-hand the very positive impacts these programs are having on the ground for mothers and children.
Here is my first question. You indicated that with respect to maternal and child health, we have 10 countries of focus. I understand that overall CIDA has 20 countries of focus. Could you confirm that and also explain why CIDA has dedicated itself to those particular 20 countries of focus? What are the benefits and advantages of that focus?