U.S. Pledges $26M for HIV/AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe

The U.S. government has pledged $26 million to support the Zimbabwean government's efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, Mark Dybul, deputy U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, said Wednesday, Xinhua/People's Daily reports. Dybul is visiting Zimbabwe to examine various HIV/AIDS programs implemented by the country and promote their adoption by other nations affected by the pandemic. According 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 Minister 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 declined in 2004 because of a change in sexual behavior among people 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).