MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today three major HIV and AIDS awards, funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), to support global efforts to help end extreme poverty by creating an AIDS-free generation. The new programs support implementation of the PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-Free Generation to expand evidence-based HIV interventions, reach and serve populations at greatest risk, and strengthen shared responsibility among all of those affected by HIV and AIDS. Announced at the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) in Melbourne, Australia, the investments illustrate how USAID is supporting the next phase of PEPFAR, and the global HIV and AIDS response.       

“With this substantial investment, USAID and PEPFAR are better able to sustain a lasting impact in the global fight against HIV and AIDS,” said USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health Ariel Pablos-Méndez, “By strengthening high impact interventions, engaging key populations, and supporting the capacity of local partners and host country governments, we know that it is possible to accelerate the end of this epidemic and realize the promise of an AIDS-free generation.”

The awards include:

• USAID’s Strengthening High Impact Interventions for an AIDS-Free Generation (AIDSFree) is a $250 million award that will be implemented over five years by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. in partnership with Abt Associates, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), EnCompass, IMA World Health (IMA), The International HIV/AIDS Alliance (The Alliance), Jhpiego, and Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH). AIDSFree aims to improve the effectiveness of high-impact, evidence-based HIV interventions (e.g., prevention of mother-to-child transmission [PMTCT]; voluntary medical male circumcision [VMMC]), and accelerate the speed with which these interventions are brought to scale at country-level.
• USAID’s Linkages Across the Continuum of HIV Services for Key Populations Affected by HIV (LINKAGES) is a $73 million award that will be implemented over five years by FHI 360 in partnership with IntraHealth International, Pact, and the University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill. LINKAGES aims to strengthen the ability of partner governments, key population (KP) civil society organizations, and private sector providers to effectively deliver comprehensive, high-quality HIV prevention, treatment, and care services for KPs and their partners.
• USAID/Southern Africa’s Capacity Development & Support Project (CDS) is a $180 million award that will be implemented over five years by FHI 360 and its South Africa-based consortium partners: Deloitte South Africa, Foundation for Professional Development, and Institute for Health Measurement. Resource partners for the award include: Sonke Gender Justice Network, Hospice Palliative Care Association, Tshikululu Social Investments, and Walter Sisulu University Foundation. The CDS aims to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS by increasing local partner capacity and supporting the South African Government.

To learn more about USAID’s work in HIV and AIDS, please click here.

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