
17 December 2010
International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton have signed a partnership framework that will guide future joint efforts to combat HIV/Aids in South Africa.
According to the US Department of State, the partnership framework under the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) provides a five-year strategic plan of cooperation between the US and South African governments, as well as other stakeholders.
“The framework supports the goals of South Africa’s national strategy to fight HIV/Aids, while also contributing to Pepfar’s global goals for prevention, care and treatment,” the Department of State said in a statement this week.
“The framework emphasises sustainability, local expertise, coordination and accountability in the fight against Aids.”
Treatment and care for millions
According to the statement, the Pepfar framework will build on existing US support for South Africa’s efforts to provide HIV prevention, treatment and care for millions of people in the country.
In 2010 alone, Pepfar funds have supported treatment for nearly 920 000 adults and children in South Africa, while more than five-million South Africans have been tested for HIV and received HIV counselling with US support.
Nkoana-Mashabane was in the US this week as part of South Africa’s efforts to improve trade relations between the two countries.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, total official development assistance from the US amounted to approximately $681.9-million in 2009.
This went towards several South African government priorities, with most of it directed towards health care, with specific emphasis on HIV/Aids and TB prevention.
SAinfo reporter
Would you like to use this article in your publication or on your website? See: Using SAinfo material