TANZANIA: World Bank millions for HIV/AIDS

The Tanzanian Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) has welcomed a new World Bank US $70 million grant to tackle HIV/AIDS in the country.

TACAIDS chairman, Herman Lupogo, said in a statement that while exact details of the spending programme had not been finalised, some of the money would be used to purchase generic versions of antiretroviral drugs.

While there are no accurate prevalence rates for Tanzania, it is generally accepted that roughly 12 percent of the population is living with HIV/AIDS.

"There is a lack of statistics here in Tanzania, but that is because people are afraid of being tested," Lupogo said.

He said he was hopeful that the new grant would encourage more people to be tested for HIV.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews, Children,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]