$4.5 million to fight HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA -- Minister of International Cooperation Aileen Carroll, announced that Canada is committing $4.5 million to help fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Tanzania and make AIDS treatments more widely available. The announcement came as the Minister visited projects supported by the Canadian International Development Agency particularly those related to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, as well as private sector development.

The funding will be provided by CIDA to support the Quick Start Project, an initiative designed to help Tanzania's Ministry of Health implement its one-year operational plan, which is part of the government's overall HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Program. Tanzania was selected as one of CIDA'S countries of focus because of its commitment to democratic development and its ability to use aid effectively. Tanzania's HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Plan has four main components:

* expanding care and treatment;

* strengthening the overall health care system;

* increasing public understanding of care and treatment through public information and education; and

* strengthening social support networks for persons living with HIV/AIDS through partnerships with civil society.

The $4.5 million contribution announced today will be used to buy and distribute antiretroviral drugs (ARVS). Only ARVS specified on the World Health Organization's list of acceptable quality drugs will be considered for supply agreements.

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