PEPFAR allots over 350 million USD to Ethiopia for AIDS battle

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

June 8, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) on Saturday announces that it has raised financial supports to Ethiopia, to encourage the strong performance the nation registered in the battle against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief also known as PERFAR is a five-year $ 15 billion initiative by the American government to combat global AIDS epidemic.

PEPFAR coordinator, Ambassador Mark R.Dybul in a press conference in Kampala said that 354.5 million US dollar is allocated to Ethiopia this year to encourage the nation’s promising efforts to halt the spread of the disease. The organization embarked only $ 48 million to Ethiopia four years ago. The coordinator recalled.

The 2008 HIV/AIDS implementers conference which wrapped up yesterday on the Uganda’s capital has brought together participant’s from 70 countries across the world.

The organization has promised to raise the annual budget to African countries that intensify their efforts to combat the pandemic and establish a transparent and accountable working procedure.

In May 2003, the US congress approved and President Bush signed into law, the “united states leader against HIV/AIDS, tuberclosis and malaria act of 2003”

A sum of $ 15 billion was proposed to 15 countries which are referred as “focus” countries. However the act of 2003 also says that the president may designate any other country.

Among others South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Rwanda are included under the “focus” countries.

Despite the progress Ethiopia registered in declining the spread of HIV, latest studies show that 2.2% of the nation’s 81 million population live with HIV/AIDS.

(ST)