Dubbed the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), launched on Wednesday this week under a new United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is aimed at dramatically increase women’s and children’s access to vital HIV prevention services.Â
USAID Director, Karen Freemen, EGPAF’s Zimbabwe Family AIDS Initiatives (FAI) said the program would help expand the national prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program, providing greater access to prevention and treatment programs for pregnant women and infants.  Â
Freemen said it was the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFPAR) that provided US$12.5 million over a period of five years, while an additional of US$2 million dollars has been provided by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID). Â
Also present at the launch was the US Ambassador James McGee and several government ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) and local councilors.McGee highlighted the successful collaborative efforts that have been supported by the US Government throughout Zimbabwe. “The United States will continue to join and assist Zimbabweans in the battle against HIV/AIDS. It will take commitment and strong leadership to overcome the challenges that we are all facing. And, together, in strong partnership, we will make a difference,” said Ambassador McGee. Speaking at the same function was the USAID Directo Freemen, who commended the collaborative nature of the relationship between FAI and Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Childwelfare (MOHCW). “The EGPAF program’s achievements are a culmination of a multitude of efforts by the USG, EGPAF and its partners, other donors such as DFID, the Expanded Support Program, the MOHCW, and the thousands of health care workers whose dedication to patient care and service sustains these programs,” said Freeman. The Minister of Health Dr. David Parirenyatwa acknowledged the long standing support that the United States Government has provided towards the strengthening of health care service delivery in Zimbabwe. He specifically commended the financial support that the USG has given to strengthening Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission services in health centers throughout the country. – Own correspondent
Â