USAID is extending its HIV/AIDS prevention and care project in Pakistan

USAID is extending its HIV/AIDS prevention and care project in Pakistan by awarding grants to three organizations working to combat the disease among high-risk groups in the country, USAID Director for Pakistan Jonathan Addleton said last week at the grant awards ceremony, the PakTribune reports.

USAID in 2006 awarded $2.7 million in grants to Research Triangle International and its subcontracting partner, Family Health International.

During the past year, the USAID project has helped local groups establish HIV/AIDS prevention programs in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Karachi and Larkana.

The grants announced on Monday will go to three organizations providing HIV/AIDS services in Turbat, Peshawar and Karachi.

Organizations will use the money to develop outreach and peer-education programs to address high-risk behaviors, such as injection drug use and unsafe sex practices, and to promote HIV testing.

The organizations also will establish confidential HIV testing facilities in Karachi and Peshawar, as well as provide medical care and counseling for HIV-positive people in Turbat.

"I am very happy to announce that three new sites are being added in 2007 with three new partners," Addleton said, adding, "With this grant, the U.S. reaffirms its commitment to improve the health and quality of life of Pakistani people.

This is the moment to redouble our efforts to prevent the further spread of this fatal disease."

According to the PakTribune, HIV/AIDS in Pakistan is concentrated among high-risk groups, but increased efforts are needed to prevent a generalized epidemic.

Support for HIV/AIDS programs is part of the $1.5 billion in aid that the U.S. government is providing over five years to benefit programs aimed at improving economic growth, education, health and governance in Pakistan (PakTribune, 3/27).