World Bank approves million-dollar fund for AIDS

The World Bank has provided US $60 million to fund the first-ever project that focuses primarily on AIDS in Africa, providing improved access to HIV treatment in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mozambique. The aim of the Regional HIV/AIDS Treatment Acceleration Project (TAP) is to facilitate inter-country learning, thereby strengthening the countries' individual health systems. It will also enable public/private/NGO partnerships to work together to serve groups most vulnerable to the epidemic. TAP funds will be used to improve existing care and treatment, strengthen the drug supply chain and help the countries refine and adapt their national treatment policy. Lessons learnt and the exchange of information are key components of the programme. Grassroots organizations, private companies and HIV/AIDS organizations based in the three countries will be involved in the implementation of the project.