Partnership to Fight HIV/AIDS in Angola

Due to forty years of civil war, the health infrastructure in Angola was decimated, and little information was known about the prevalence of HIV in Angola. Angola emerged from its civil war only seven years ago, and with significant technical assistance from PEPFAR, the national government has been able to conduct three annual national HIV antenatal clinic surveys to begin to determine the prevalence of HIV. For the most recent round, the Angolan government had built up enough capacity to lead the 2007 antenatal clinic survey.

In FY 2009 PEPFAR will provide technical assistance to laboratory facilities in order to strengthen health systems throughout Angola and to increase activities related to TB/HIV infected individuals. To increase evidence-based interventions for military personnel, PEPFAR will provide technical assistance to conduct surveys on knowledge, attitudes and practices among this high-risk group. PEPFAR will also continue to assist the Angolan Forces in establishing counseling and testing programs that will guarantee confidential testing and support for all military personnel. Based on the results of the 2007 Antenatal Care (ANC) Survey, surveillance activities will continue to monitor TB and sexually transmitted infection patterns in both high sero-prevalence areas and among other high-risk populations.