The World Bank has approved an $80-million credit to help Kenya in its fight against Aids, which the government says kills hundreds of people daily.
The money will be used to improve governance in the state-run National Aids Control Council, which coordinates activities of NGOs involved in the fight against Aids. Some of the money will also be given as grants to NGOs.
”We are determined that the support should reach the five million people in Kenya — especially orphans and young women — who are directly and indirectly affected,” Colin Bruce, World Bank country director for Kenya, said in a statement seen by Reuters on Wednesday.
The National Aids Control Council on Monday released statistics that showed Kenya’s Aids rate had fallen to 5,9% from 6,1% in 2004 and is expected to reach 5,5% by 2010.
Officials cite better prevention, more widespread use of antiretroviral drugs, greater use of condoms and responsible sex habits for the fall in infection rates. — Reuters