Government, University of North Carolina sign technical agreement

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has authorised the University of North Carolina to set up an office at the Kinshasa Referral Hospital to improve public health care in the country.

Clearance for the measure came with the signing of an agreement on Monday between the government and the university. Under the agreement, the university will conduct research into and assist in the effort to combat HIV/AIDS. The university will also train health personnel, while the government will support the university's efforts politically and administratively.

The government will also provide the US expatriate staff who will be working on the project with tax, customs and other breaks.

"We need technical and financial help and the cooperation between universities which the University of North Carolina provides us," Dr Jack Kokolomani, director of the national AIDS programme, told IRIN.