USAID/Burundi has announced a new cooperative agreement that will significantly enhance the HIV/AIDS response in Burundi according to the United States Embassy.
In a press release the US embassy in Burundi indicated that in partnership with the Trustees of Columbia University in New York, specifically the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP), the new award, named the “HIV Care and Treatment Activity,” aims to propel Burundi toward achieving and sustaining the HIV response.
“This $47 million initiative stands as the largest current award under USAID/Burundi’s purview,” part of the statement reads.
The HIV Care and Treatment Activity is set to run through August 2028 and will concentrate its efforts on bridging the lingering gaps in attaining the 95-95-95
UNAIDS targets across Burundi.
“This project is generously supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID/Burundi,” part of the communique reads.
In December 2020, UNAIDS released a new set of ambitious targets calling for 95% of all people living with HIV to know their HIV status, 95% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy to have viral suppression by 2025. Adopted by United Nations Member states in June 2021 as part of the new Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the existing U.S. Government-funded programs operating in conjunction with the Burundian Ministry of Health to enhance HIV service delivery and fortify the overall health infrastructure.
Over the past two decades, the United States government has been instrumental in saving and enhancing millions of lives through PEPFAR. This has substantially altered the global landscape of HIV/AIDS interventions, complementing the work of other key stakeholders like UNAIDS and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“The United States reaffirms its commitment to fostering a durable partnership with Burundi, as both nations work collaboratively toward mutual goals-spanning security, health, freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity,” the communique reads.