U.S. Pledges $26M For HIV/AIDS Programs In Zimbabwe
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Medical News Today
21 Feb 2006
The U.S. government has pledged $26 million to support the Zim-
babwean government's efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, Mark Dybul, dep-
uty U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, said Wednesday, Xinhua / Peo-
ple's Daily reports. Dybul is visiting Zimbabwe to examine vari-
ous HIV/AIDS programs implemented by the country and promote
their adoption by other nations affected by the pandemic. Ac-
cording to Dybul, Zimbabwe has seen several achievements in the
fight against the disease, including a reduction in its HIV/AIDS
prevalence and the implementation of antiretroviral treatment
initiatives. Zimbabwe has curbed its HIV/AIDS epidemic through a
strategy that involves the national government, schools,
churches, traditional healers and lawmakers, according to Minis-
ter of Health and Child Welfare David Parirenyatwa (Xinhua /
People's Daily, 2/16). According to a UNAIDS report released in
December 2005, HIV/AIDS prevalence and incidence in Zimbabwe de-
clined in 2004 because of a change in sexual behavior among peo-
ple there, including increases in condom use and faithfulness.
The report finds that the HIV-prevalence rate among pregnant
women dropped from 26% in 2002 to 21% in 2004 (Kaiser Daily
HIV/AIDS Report, 12/9/05).
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