The U.S Government’s President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), in collaboration with the National AIDS Council (NAC), has given K1.7 million to 10 community and faith-based NGOs in Zambia to help in the fight against HIV.

In a statement issued by US Embassy public affairs officer Sean McIntosh, the 10 organisations are grantees who were selected from the over 200 applicants that had applied for the grants.

“Through the generous support of the American people, PEPFAR will award over K1.72 million, equivalent to US $172,000, to 10 community and faith-based Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Zambia. The 10 organizations were selected from more than 200 applicants, and will implement innovative approaches to address the HIV prevention and OVC needs in their communities. This will include: early childhood activities to ensure improved learning and health outcomes, involving men, to promote prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and treatment support for people living with HIV,” McIntosh stated.

He stated that the grantees already received their awards during a ceremony, which was held at the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday.

“The U.S. government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, more commonly known as PEPFAR, in collaboration with the National AIDS Council (NAC) announced the ten awardees of the 2018 PEPFAR Small Grants Programme today. The PEPFAR Small Grants Programme was created to support the work of small local partners, and provides one-time grants between ZMW 100,000 ($10,000) and ZMW 250,000 ($25,000) to support community-led sustainable programmes in the field of HIV prevention, support to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), and their households, and democracy and governance related to Zambia’s HIV response. The organizations officially received their awards during a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy. U.S. Ambassador Daniel L. Foote welcomed 20 representatives from the selected organizations and provided welcome remarks that emphasized the significant role of civil society in the fight against HIV. PEPFAR is proud to partner with civil society and to support the work of these ten organizations,” stated McIntosh.