American govn't awards 62grants worthy over 3billion zambian kwacha to 62 zambian organisations

The American government has awarded 62 grants worthy over 3billion kwacha to Zambian organizations initiating projects to prevent new HIV infections and support orphans and vulnerable children at the community level.

The over 3billioin kwacha which has been awarded to 62 community based organization is made possible under the president’s emergency plan for aids relief (PEPFAR).

The goal of the PEPFAR orphans and vulnerable children small grants program is to improve the standard of living for OVC through financially sustainable-led projects.

The over 3billion kwacha has been awarded to Zambian community-based organizations that presented innovative proposals to empower citizens to become self reliant, and promote health.

According to president’s emergency plan for aids relief (PEPFAR) country coordinator Kristie mikus, the prevention of small grants program is designed to assist community organizations in implementing innovative HIV prevention projects to stop the spread of HIV.

Mrs. mikus says projects supported in 2012 include voluntary counseling and HIV testing, male circumcision, training in behavior change, delay in sexual debut and the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS.

She says through the projects to be implemented by the 62 local organizations, Zambia ill benefit by having a reduction in the number of new HIV infections, a reduction in the number of HIV-related deaths and a reduction in the number of people living with HIV.

and United States deputy chief of mission Stephen schwartz says concrete actions are needed if the American investment has to make any meaningful value.

Mr. Schwartz notes that over 1million orphans are currently living in Zambia and the partnership between Zambia and his country can realize the gift of a generation free from HIV and aids.