Press Releases

U.S. Government Awards Almost 2.5 Billion Kwacha To Eight Zambian Civil Society Organizations To Fight HIV/AIDS

Lusaka
December 21, 2006

LUSAKA, Zambia – The U.S. Government, through its AWATCH Project managed by PACT Zambia, awarded nearly 2.5 billion kwacha (US $623,366) to eight civil society organizations in support of their efforts to fight against HIV/AIDS in Zambia. Funding was made available through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and was implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The recipients are One World Africa, HIV/AIDS Technical Support Foundation, Jubilee Centre, Henwood Foundation, People’s Participation Services, Foundation for Democratic Process, Zambia National Women’s Lobbying Group, and Zambia Health Education and Communications and Family Health Trust. The grants will help these organizations strengthen political leadership in fighting HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination in 40 rural and urban constituencies and complete the judiciary HIV/AIDS workplace program.

The overall goal is to support the fight against HIV/AIDS through effective legislation, participatory representation, and transparent policies in the delivery of HIV/AIDS services. Members of Parliament (MPs) will learn the benefits of increased collaboration with local organizations in their constituencies to ensure that HIV/AIDS policies meet the needs of all Zambians.

AWATCH plans to train 100 MPs to influence HIV/AIDS policies, ensuring a protective environment toward the prevention of HIV infection and facilitating care, support, and treatment services free of discrimination. More than 120,000 people in 40 constituencies will benefit through direct intervention with 40 MPs, 40 constituency office staff, and 15 members of the HIV/AIDS constituency liaison committees. In addition, 184 members of the judiciary will be trained in networking, resource mobilization, and coordination of HIV services with other providers.

PACT is an international non-governmental organization with expertise in organizational development, grant-making, and capacity building for civil society.

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