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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
LIFE Initiative -- USAID's Efforts One Year Later
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-43202000-184
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 11, 2000Contact: Gabrielle Bushman
In July 1999, Vice President Gore announced LIFE: Leadership and Investment in Fighting an Epidemic, a $100 million initiative to fight AIDS around the world. Of this total, USAID has already initiated $55 million in programs that will support efforts to contain the AIDS pandemic, provide home and community-based care, care for children orphaned by AIDS and strengthen community capacity to respond.
The LIFE initiative focuses on 13 target countries that are experiencing the most severe epidemic, the highest number of new infections and where the potential impact is the greatest. The target countries are India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The U.S. government is the world leader in responding to the global pandemic of AIDS. Since 1986, the U.S. government, through USAID, has dedicated over $1.4 billion dollars for the prevention and mitigation of this epidemic in the developing world. USAID's HIV/AIDS budget of $200 million for 2000 is four times as great as the next-largest donor.
USAID is working in 46 of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic. Nearly 70 percent of USAID's HIV/AIDS assistance goes to small non-government organizations with direct connections to the poorest victims and those most vulnerable to infection.
Funding four program areas. The LIFE funds are being used to expand USAID programs in four areas:
- Care and support for those affected,
- Support for orphans and vulnerable children,
- Efforts to prevent new infections.
- Efforts to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV.
LIFE money leverages funding. The U.S. investment has also spurred other donors to act. Canada is tripling its HIV/AIDS budget over three years; and the United Kingdom has launched a major HIV initiative. The resources needed in Africa alone are substantial. UNAIDS has estimated a minimum financial need of $3 billion annually to support HIV prevention and care. Current resources are estimated to be 10 percent of that figure.
Working with Faith-Based Organizations. A major focus of the LIFE initiative involves increasing collaboration with faith-based organizations, particularly in the areas of care and support for affected individuals, their families and AIDS orphans. Working closely with The White House Office, USAID is studying our current work with faith-based organizations and exploring areas for increased collaboration. As part of this effort, a summit of religious leaders is planned for later this year.
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
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Last Updated on: July 12, 2001 |
