U.S Mission Awards N2.9m Grants As HIV/AIDS Response

-Country Supports HIV/AIDS Fight In Nigeria with $4.3 bn in 12 Years

By TAYO OLANIPEKUN, Lagos

The U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria on Friday announced a N2.9 million micro-grant to 50 women caregivers to support the economic wellbeing of their families, particularly the vulnerable children orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

The grants, given under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Small Grants Program, has included in its component training for the beneficiaries of the micro grants from five communities in the Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Since the U.S.-Nigeria partnership on HIV/AIDS began in 2004 through PEPFAR, the U.S support for HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support programs in Nigeria has totaled more than $4.3 billion U.S. dollars in support of the Nigeria HIV/AIDS response.

The latest training will be facilitated by a local non-governmental organization (NGO), Blissful Life for Women and Children, covering the areas of business and vocational skills and trade mentorship as well as provisions of trade articles and supplies.

According to a statement yesterday in Lagos, 10 older orphans and vulnerable children whose parents are living with HIV will also benefit from the training by the NGO which is one of the 27 local organizations that have received funding under the U.S. Ambassador’s PEPFAR Small Grants Program in fiscal year 2017.

 At an event to announce the grants, attended by senior local government officials, health, and community leaders, the Acting U.S. Consul General, Will Steuer, said, “The people and government of the United States continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria and Nigerian families in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

 “Today’s event highlights the importance of supporting families, especially children who are affected by HIV/AIDS, through programs that not only support treatment for the infected, but also to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of families affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as the PEPFAR Small Grants Program seeks to do.”

 Beneficiaries of the various training programs are expected to empower themselves and their families by building small businesses that will create more reliable income flows and improve their standard of living.