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US renews partnership with Mozambique against HIV epidemic; grants US$400 million
10:52 CAT | 12 Sep 2017
Supplied / Minister of Health Nazira Abdula speaks with US Ambassador to Mozambique Dean Pittman
The governments of the United States of America and Mozambique today renewed their partnership in the fight against AIDS by announcing a joint annual plan that provides for expanded access to HIV prevention and treatment services in the country.
The plan has an associated budget of about US$400 million, to be invested by the US government through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Mozambique Health Minister Nazira Abdula and US Ambassador to Mozambique Dean Pittman announced jointly at a press conference in Maputo.
Aimed at supporting the country’s efforts to achieve control of the epidemic by 2020, within the framework of UNAIDS objectives 90-90-90, PEPFAR assistance will strengthen the action of the various stakeholders involved in the HIV response, such as the National AIDS Council, the Ministry of Health, multilateral partners, implementation partners, civil society and the private sector.
Among the various clinical goals it sets for 2018, the operational plan hopes to bring 375,000 new patients into antiretroviral treatment, bringing the total number of people living with HIV who receive therapy in the country to 1.262 million.
The strategy also foresees the strengthening of prevention activities, focusing on strengthening the provision of services to populations most exposed to the risk of HIV infection. Additional efforts will be undertaken in this regard to reach young people aged 15-29 years. Programs targeted at priority populations, such as sex workers and their clients, men who have sex with men, prisoners, and migrant workers will also be expanded.
The improvement in health services retention indicators for patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment, including pregnant and lactating women, is also a priority, with the aim of improving the quality of life and health of the people living with HIV, and drastically reducing the number of new infections.
Speaking to journalists about Mozambique’s approach towards controlling the HIV epidemic, Ambassador Pittman praised the Mozambican authorities for their decision to implement and expand the “Test and Start” health strategy, which lets people with HIV start antiretroviral treatment as soon as they discover their HIV status.
Since its launch in Mozambique in 2004, PEPFAR investment in Mozambique has totalled US$3 billion, the main results being the improvement of health care provided in the country and the increase in the number of people access to HIV prevention and treatment services.
In Mozambique, PEPFAR is implemented by the US Embassy through the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Department of State and the Department of Defence, and the US Peace Corps.
Source: US Embassy in Maputo / Press Release
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