THE United States will look to increase financial support for programmes in Zimbabwe that are aimed at combating the HIV and Aids epidemic, a senior official said this week.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
Visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Carol O’Connel told journalists on Tuesday that her government wanted to continue working with its partners and the Health ministry in particular to help reduce the effects of HIV and Aids.
“The epidemic control of HIV and Aids is dependent on collaboration by government, international partners, social partners, implementing partners and the private sector coming together to provide the most comprehensive care possible,” she said.
Despite haggling on the political front and the US, through the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) programme, has continued to pour in resources to help fight the scourge.
“The US, through our Pepfar programme, has a very good working relationship with the Health and Child Care ministry. We all share responsibilities and the media also plays a part and we want to thank you. Knowing one’s HIV status is critical to controlling the epidemic,” O’Connel added.
She said aid towards HIV and Aids alleviation was likely to be increased, although US President Donald Trump’s administration was yet to get Congress approval for its budget.
“The US, through the Pepfar programme and its implementing partners including Population Services International Zimbabwe, is pledging over the next 12 months, to reach close to 2,5 million people and get them tested. We reached about 1,9 million last year.
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“We are looking at increasing that in 2018. I know there have been questions about the budget in the US, but we highly value the Pepfar programme and the health services in the country and next year we would want to increase this amount and include services such as male circumcision, as well as getting young girls and adolescents into the dreams programme to help with prevention,” the US envoy said.
