Karnataka Launches Project to Combat HIV/AIDS with U.S. Support

BANGALORE | January 10, 2007

Project Samastha, a comprehensive program for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, support and treatment, was launched in Karnataka today by the state Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. The $22 million (97.7 crores rupees) project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Speaking on the occasion, USAID India Mission Director George Deikun said, “We are looking at a new model for the delivery of development assistance that focuses on partnerships and leveraging resources of which both our countries can be proud.”

Project Samastha will be implemented by the University of Manitoba and the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust over a 5-year period. Working with the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society and Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, the partners will provide HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment services in 12 high-prevalence districts of Karnataka and 4 districts in Andhra Pradesh.

This new partnership builds on years of experience in HIV programming in states such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The U.S. Government is the only bilateral agency supporting HIV prevention and control activities in Karnataka.

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