United States Gives US$ 12.5 Million to Pediatric AIDS Foundation Initiative

U.S. ambassador James McGee chats to beneficiaries of U.S. support at a clinic in Murehwa. picture by Taurai Maduna

Harare, Zimbabwe – The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) launched a new HIV/AIDS initiative today with US$ 12.5 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  The initiative is expected to dramatically increase women’s and children’s access to vital HIV prevention services.

EGPAF’s Zimbabwe Family AIDS Initiatives (FAI) program will expand the national prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program, providing greater access to prevention and treatment programs for pregnant women and infants. 

The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR) provided US $12.5 million over five years, while an additional $2 million dollars has been provided by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID).  The new initiative is also supported by other donors such as the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson.

A colorful launch ceremony at Murewa Council grounds was attended by the Minister of Health and Child Welfare Dr. David Parirenyatwa, U.S. Ambassador James McGee, EGPAF President and CEO Pamela W. Barnes, and USAID Mission Director for Zimbabwe Ms. Karen Freeman.  Also in attendance were other government officials, donors, United Nations agencies, and international and local AIDS service organizations.

The US Ambassador James McGee highlighted the successful collaborative efforts that have been supported by the US Government.  “The United States will continue to join and assist Zimbabweans in the battle against HIV/AIDS,” said Ambassador McGee.  “It will take commitment and strong leadership to overcome the challenges that we are all facing.  And, together, in strong partnership, we will make a difference.”

In her remarks, President of EGPAF Ms. Barnes drew attention to Zimbabwe’s successes in the fight against pediatric AIDS and also underscored the urgent need that remains.  The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has been working closely with Zimbabwe’s MOHCW since 2001 to reduce the number of new pediatric HIV infections and eradicate AIDS in children.  Currently working at more than 2,300 sites in 18 countries, EGPAF is a global leader supporting children and families in their fight against HIV/AIDS.

EGPAF and its three implementing partners – JF Kapnek Trust, the Organization for Public Health Interventions and Development (OPHID), and the Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project – have been providing direct support for PMTCT service provision to more than 330 MOHCW health facilities, in over 24 districts of Zimbabwe.  Through their programs, more than 280,000 pregnant women have gained access to PMTCT services.  About 34,000 women living with HIV have been identified within the program, and the majority of these women and their infants have received ARV prophylaxis. 

Despite these successes, much more needs to be done, according to EGPAF.  Only one in every three HIV positive pregnant women in Zimbabwe currently receive the services that can protect their babies from the virus. As a result, more than 17,300 children are infected each year in Zimbabwe. “Our efforts have real implications,” said Barnes. “If we reached all pregnant women in Zimbabwe who are HIV-positive, we could prevent thousands of infections each year.”

The FAI program will provide technical and financial resources to the MOHCW to enhance national efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The initiative will directly support the National AIDS & TB Unit and PMTCT sites throughout the country, with the goal of helping 460,000 pregnant women access important PMTCT anti-retroviral medications. In addition, the FAI program will collaborate with the MOHCW in undertaking important operational research to identify innovative solutions to challenges that the national PMTCT program still faces today.  

USAID Director Karen Freemen commended the collaborative nature of the relationship between FAI and the MOHCW. “The EGPAF program’s achievements are a culmination of a multitude of efforts by the USG, EGPAF and its partners, other donors such as DFID, the Expanded Support Program, the MOHCW, and the thousands of health care workers whose dedication to patient care and service sustains these programs,” said Freeman.

The Ministry of Health and Child Welfare has focused on a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, care, and support for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).  Working together with EGPAF and other donors, the MOHCW has improved the quality and accessibility of PMTCT services for pregnant women in public facilities. 

The Minister of Health Dr. David Parirenyatwa acknowledged the long standing support that the United States Government has provided towards the strengthening of health care service delivery in Zimbabwe.  He specifically commended the financial support that the USG has given to strengthening Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services in health centers throughout the country. 

###

About the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide. To learn more about the Foundation’s work in Zimbabwe, visit http://www.pedaids.org/OurWork/InternationalPrograms/Zimbabwe.aspx.

Issued: January 16th 2008