press releases

U.S. Government Funding For HIV/Aids Fight In Zambia Increases Significantly

Lusaka
May 4, 2006

The United States Government (USG) is committing U.S. $149 million in 2006 to continue supporting the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s (GRZ) national program to fight HIV/AIDS in Zambia through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Director General of the National AIDS Council, Dr. B.U. Chirwa, and the United States Ambassador to Zambia, Carmen Martinez, joined to announce the 2006 PEPFAR funding levels and programs at a jointly sponsored event at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka on Thursday, May, 4th.

The U.S. funding will build on previous years’ contributions to Zambian National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework and national program accomplishments in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, systems strengthening and policy analysis, and strategic information. This year’s innovative projects includes continued contributions to the Ministry of Health’s Rural Retention Scheme for Physicians to support physicians serving in rural areas, increased focus on pediatric anti-retroviral treatment programs, and expanded counseling and testing services in rural areas.

Ambassador Martinez commended the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and other donors for their partnership in combating HIV/AIDS, and underscored the critical role of strong national leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The event was attended by approximately 150 stakeholders representing Zambian and U.S. organizations involved in PEPFAR program implementation. Participants met in smaller specialized groups to review 2005 accomplishments, discuss 2006 program implementation, and plan for the 2007 PEPFAR-funded program.

As one of PEPFAR’s fifteen focus countries, Zambia received $130 million in 2005 to continue to scale-up successful programs and to launch new HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment activities nationwide. In 2006, $149 million is supporting over 100 partners and sub partners in the field to continue their successful programs.

PEPFAR was designed as a five-year intensive HIV/AIDS program that builds the infrastructure necessary to having sustainable and successful programs. At the completion of PEPFAR in 2009, we anticipate continued USG support for focus countries, including Zambia, in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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