This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.

USAID Combatting HIV/AIDS:

A Record of Accomplishment

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U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FACT SHEET

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WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-4320

2001-022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2001

Contact: USAID Press Office

The U.S. government is the world leader in responding to the global pandemic of AIDS. Since 1986 the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, has dedicated over $1.6 billion for the prevention and mitigation of this epidemic in the developing world. USAID is working in approximately 50 of the hardest hit countries around the world. Nearly 70 percent of our HIV/AIDS program assistance goes to small non-governmental organizations that have direct connections to the poorest of the poor and those most vulnerable to infection.

Expanded Response: In fiscal year 2001, USAID's HIV/AIDS budget increased to $320 million, almost double the previous year's budget. With the additional resources, USAID designed an "expanded response", which aims to improve the ability of developing countries to prevent the increase in HIV/AIDS and to provide services to those infected and others impacted by the epidemic.

Educating people to prevent AIDS. In the past five years, USAID, through work with host country governments and community groups, has provided intensive AIDS education to over 25 million vulnerable men and women, helping them to reduce their risk of HIV infection. To accomplish this task, USAID has trained over 180,000 new counselors and educators.

Reducing HIV prevalence in young adults. Youth are very vulnerable to HIV, and in many countries up to 60 percent of all new infections occur in this age group. In Uganda, USAID's support was instrumental in reducing the prevalence of HIV in 15-24 year olds in urban areas by 50 percent and nationally by one-third.

Maintaining low HIV prevalence. In Senegal, Philippines and Indonesia, early, comprehensive HIV intervention programs supported by USAID and other donors have helped prevent a major epidemic, keeping the prevalence rate to less than 2 percent. Even more `dramatic, in another set of countries - Uganda, Dominican Republic, and Thailand - intensive HIV/AIDS programs launched after major epidemics had erupted have resulted in reductions in the numbers of new infections.

Assisting children affected by AIDS: Globally, 13.2 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. USAID projects that 44 million children in 34 countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS will have lost one or both parents from all causes, but primarily AIDS, by 2010. In 18 countries, USAID is helping children stay in their communities by supporting extended and foster families. USAID programs assist with housing, education, health care as well as helping children cope with the psychological stress of losing a parent.

Supporting voluntary counseling and testing. USAID-funded research and services have moved voluntary counseling and testing to the forefront of HIV/AIDS programming in developing countries. A three-country study shows that voluntary counseling and testing reduces sexual risk behavior, especially in HIV-positive persons.

Developing technologies to fight the transmission. USAID has been instrumental in the ongoing development of critical technologies to fight the transmission of AIDS in the developing world, including the female condom, a topical microbicide, rapid diagnostic tests for STIs and affordable, and realistic methods to reduce mother to child transmission of AIDS.

Reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Africa. USAID is improving STI control programs in Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zambia. In South Africa, USAID support was instrumental in reducing the prevalence of STIs by 40 percent among vulnerable mineworkers over a nine-month period.

Increasing the distribution of condoms. USAID has provided over one billion condoms and developed new technologies so that people can protect themselves and their partners. USAID support for social marketing of condoms increased sales by over 100 percent between 1996 and 1998 in four African countries (Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe).

Involving people living with AIDS: A critical component of USAID's efforts is to involve people living with AIDS in all stages of its programs.

Involving communities in the fight against AIDS. USAID support has been critical to supporting local communities and community-based organizations in fighting AIDS in Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal and over 40 other developing countries.

Supporting civil society groups in the fight against AIDS. In South Africa, USAID assisted the Council of South African Trade Unions to include HIV/AIDS as a key policy issue for their members. USAID has also supported religious communities and inter-faith networks critical to HIV/AIDS prevention successes.

Collaborating with other major donors: USAID is closely collaborating with other major donors such as the World Bank and European Union to coordinate country programs and increase their effectiveness. In Ukraine, the European Union and USAID designed a joint $4 million HIV/AIDS prevention campaign. In Brazil, USAID is offering technical assistance to improve the national HIV/AIDS program that is supported by World Bank funds.

The U.S. Agency for International Development is the U.S. government agency that provides development and humanitarian assistance worldwide.

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