Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., renews partnership with the Clinton Foundation to tackle HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa

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Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power, T.D., renews partnership with the Clinton Foundation to tackle HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa

Minister of State for Overseas Development Assistance, Mr. Peter Power T.D, today announced that Ireland is renewing its partnership with the Clinton Foundation to support efforts to tackle HIV and AIDS in Mozambique and Lesotho.

Speaking after a meeting with the President of the Clinton Foundation, Mr. Ira Magaziner, Minister Power said:

“Our partnership with the Clinton Foundation has been recognised internationally as highly-effective and it is a critical element of Ireland’s overall response to HIV/AIDS. A recent review confirmed it is delivering real results. In 2003 there were just over 3,000 people on treatment in Mozambique, a figure which had grown to 170,000 by the end of 2009.

The number of HIV-positive mothers who received treatment to prevent mother-to-child infection increased nearly a hundred-fold in Mozambique over the same period.

During a visit to Lesotho in March, I witnessed the excellent results which are being achieved through this innovative partnership. I met many of those who are receiving treatment and counselling for the first time and spoke to them about its life-changing impact on their families. Previously, these patients would not have been able to access treatment and would have had their lives cut tragically short.

I am pleased therefore to announce today that we will renew our collaboration with the Clinton Foundation. In 2010, Irish Aid will provide €16 million in funding to tackle HIV and AIDS in Mozambique and Lesotho in partnership with the Clinton Foundation.”

Irish Aid and the Clinton Foundation support both countries national plans to tackle the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The partnership is focused on expanding and improving testing and counselling, the provision of anti-retroviral treatment and critical support for national health systems. In addition, Irish Aid and the Clinton Foundation work together on key areas such as improving maternal and child health, child nutrition and strengthening health systems.  

Minister Power added:

“These areas were identified as priorities in the Hunger Task Force report, which Irish Aid is implementing. Our work with the Clinton Foundation on HIV and AIDS is an important part of that commitment, as nutrition is key to successful treatment.”

Ireland has made the fight against HIV/AIDS a key element of the Irish Aid programme, recognising that it is one of the main challenges to long-term sustainable development. The partnership with the Clinton Foundation forms an important part of our overall response to HIV and AIDS. Ireland now spends in excess of 10% of the total overseas aid budget per year helping developing countries halt the spread and deal with the impact of this disease and others.

Note for Editors:

• Irish Aid is the Government’s programme for overseas assistance. It is a division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For more information, visit www.irishaid.gov.ie
• Since 2002, the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative has been assisting countries in implementing large-scale, integrated care, treatment and prevention programmes. 
• A joint review of the impact and effectiveness of this programme was recently carried out by Irish Aid and the Clinton Foundation. It highlighted the positive achievements to date and recommended continuation of the partnership.
• This year, on foot of the agreement, €12 million has been allocated to Mozambique and €4million to Lesotho in support of the national responses of both countries. The agreement announced today would extend the programme through 2010.
• For further information or to request an interview with Minister Power, please contact Fionnuala Quinlan, press officer, Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs on 01-4082653 or 087-9099975

ENDS+++

Press Office

Department of Foreign Affairs

6 May 2010