United States Pledge K9 Billion Towards HIV Epidemic Control

The Government of the United States has confirmed that they will pledge over $400 million (K9 Billion) towards HIV epidemic control in Zambia.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Young announced on Tuesday the U.S. government plans to contribute $401.6 million in a bid to help control the HIV epidemic which the country is currently experiencing.

An estimated 1.2 million people in the country live with HIV, with AIDS causing around 20,000 deaths every year in Zambia alone.

Speaking on the donation, Mr Young said that America remains committed to improving healthcare within Zambia.

“The U.S. government remains committed to improving Zambia’s health security through PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Malaria programme, and other health investments,” he said.

Mr Young also announced a donation of $20.1 million (K448.9 million) to support COVID-19 relief within Zambia.

In recent years only charities and international partners have been seen to implement HIV prevention programmes, raising issues on the long-term sustainability of running such programmes as well as questions on the government’s lack of focus on the issue. The government’s restrictive policy and legal environment also means that key populations cannot access HIV services without stigma and discrimination.

Photo: Lusaka Times