|
Since 1995, USAID has been deeply committed to mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS in Mozambique. The country faces a severe, generalized HIV/AIDS epidemic and the impact could have serious repercussions for generations to come. Recent estimates indicate an HIV prevalence rate of 16%, resulting in approximately 1.7 million Mozambicans are HIV positive. Through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID works in close collaboration with the people and Government of Mozambique and other U.S. Government agencies to implement a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support, treatment, and strengthening the health system throughout Mozambique.
Promote Healthy Behaviors to Prevent Infection
The most effective way to fight HIV/AIDS is to prevent HIV transmission. USAID prevention programs teach youth and adults how to avoid behaviors that increase their risks of acquiring HIV infection. Through PEPFAR, USAID promotes the “ABC” approach: “A” for abstinence, or delayed abstinence among youth; “B” for being faithful, or reducing the number of sexual partners; and “C” for correct and consistent condom use. In partnership with PEPFAR, USAID strengthens health systems in communities to deliver services to families that prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. These programs help prevent transmission from pregnant women to their unborn children, promote counseling and testing services in both clinics and community settings, and train health care workers and community members to raise awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Provide Care and Support for Adults and Children Affected by HIV/AIDS
One of the biggest ravages of HIV/AIDS in Mozambique is the 557,000 orphans and vulnerable children who are in families unable to care for them due to HIV. USAID programs provide a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS care and support by complementing clinical services with additional psychological, spiritual, social, preventive and nutritional services. These services are designed to optimize the quality of life of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, such as children and caregivers. In addition, USAID provides health, education, food, and nutritional support to orphans and vulnerable children, as well as their families, to help them cope with HIV/AIDS.
Treat Patients
USAID approaches care and treatment through a family-centered approach. PEPFAR provides antiretroviral treatment and supports 176 health service centers to provide comprehensive clinical care, including testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, and HIV disease monitoring.
Strengthen the Health System
USAID closely collaborates with the Government of Mozambique to strengthen the health care system by improving pre-service training in health care institutions and increasing the public sector’s ability to manage health services. USAID programs also engage civil society to mobilize and support HIV prevention, care, and treatment services.
Impact
- In 2009, PEPFAR reached more than 3 million Mozambicans through ABC activities, distributed 24 million condoms, and provided HIV counseling and testing to more than 535,000 Mozambicans.
- Last year, PEPFAR provided care and support to 231,000 orphans and vulnerable children, and provided HIV-related palliative care to more than 570,000 Mozambicans.
- PEPFAR provided antiretroviral treatment to more than 116,000 Mozambicans and performed nearly 2 million tests for HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis, and HIV disease monitoring.
|
 |
