. Koinuma

By CLEVER ZULU –
JAPAN has signed a grant contract with Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) to facilitate the implementation of an HIV/AIDS project in Kafue and Chilanga districts.
The contract amounting to K3.8 million is focused on the establishment of a sustainable framework for the provision of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and other forms of support towards people living with HIV/AIDS.
The project activities include the upgrade of ART centres within Mount Makulu, Nangogwe and Mwembeshi health centres; improvement of data management for HIV/AIDS patients; and training of health volunteers.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in Lusaka yesterday, Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Kiyoshi Koinuma said the purpose of the grant is to enable the continued progress of the implementation of the HIV/AIDS project in Kafue District.
“The community-centred comprehensive project aims to tackle HIV/AIDS issues within specified areas, namely, Kafue town, Chilanga area and Mwembeshi area,” Mr Koinuma said.
The Japanese envoy said the year 2015 is the target year for achieving the millennium development goals (MDGs) and that the international community continues to work relentlessly in order to achieve the outstanding issues which are yet to be realised.
AAR acting country representative Ryota Hirama said his organisation has chosen to launch a project to support Anti–retroviral therapy (ART) services in Kafue and Chilanga districts because of the many challenges related to the pandemic in the areas.