US gives US $100 million to combat HIV/AIDS

The United States has given Uganda an additional US $100 million to fund HIV/AIDS projects, including programmes to support orphans and other vulnerable children, the US embassy announced in a statement released on Monday.

"The United States announces $100 million in new grants to support orphans and vulnerable children as a part of the president's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief," the statement said.

The new funding is in addition to an estimated $100 million already allocated to Uganda this year to fund new or continuing HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment programmes, according to the statement. The funds will be disbursed mainly through NGOs that have HIV/AIDS projects in Uganda.

"With millions of children and families affected by HIV/AIDS, the pandemic has effects beyond individual children's lives, devastating families and communities," the embassy's statement said. "The new grants seek to address the complex and interconnected needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS."

Uganda has been praised for its progress in turning the tide against the pandemic. The country has achieved that through implementation of the so called "ABC" strategy, which is; Abstain from sex until marriage, Be faithful to your partner, or use Condoms if abstinence and fidelity are not practiced.