|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
The Washington Times: "Uganda Leads by Example on AIDS"
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-43202003-015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2003Contact: USAID Press Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development today announced a new five-year agreement with a consortium of international development and faith-based organizations to expand the agency's commitment to supporting community and faith-based activities in developing countries struggling to respond to the impact of HIV/AIDS. This new initiative is a key component of President Bush's efforts to fight HIV/AIDS.
"The war against AIDS can be more effectively waged with much broader partnerships with faith and community-based organizations," said USAID Administrator Andrew S. Natsios. "These organizations know and are a valuable part of their communities. They are key to disseminating AIDS prevention messages, and for caring for the orphans and sick. The new CORE initiative expands the opportunities for these organizations to work with USAID to alleviate suffering and turn around the AIDS pandemic."
The agreement, known as the CORE Initiative (Communities Responding to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic), was awarded to the international humanitarian organization CARE.
"Faith and community-based groups from all over the world --from the most grassroots organizations to large global organizations-- are encouraged to apply for this funding," said Administrator Natsios.
The grant gives faith and community-based organizations greater opportunities to apply for USAID funding. Faith-based organizations can apply for funding even if their programs to fight HIV/AIDS do not include all the components of USAID's strategy. If they want to focus exclusively on behavioral change, they can receive USAID funds.
Access to USAID funds will be through the CORE Initiative's small grants and demonstration projects; sub-awards, which are a flexible funding mechanism for supporting large-scale, community-focused programs; and directly from USAID missions and regional offices.
"We are looking to expand our partnerships with faith and community-based organizations. This new initiative is a result of our efforts to overcome barriers that existed in the past to these groups receiving funds," said Dr. Anne Peterson, USAID's Assistant Administrator for Global Health.
"After over 20 years and 20 million deaths, the epidemic is the worst humanitarian crisis of our time," said Peter D. Bell, president and CEO of CARE USA. "The partners in this coalition can make a greater impact together on controlling the spread of the disease and reducing the suffering of people affected."
The global alliance has the support of more than 70 organizations worldwide and it will work closely with partners in developing countries. People living with HIV/AIDS will be actively involved in the project.
USAID is the world's leader in providing funding to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Since 1986, it has provided more than $2.3 billion for prevention, care and treatment programs in over 50 countries around the world.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
 |
|||
|
