AIDSTanzania is accepting applications for Spring 2010!!

Check out the Application Tab to download the new application! Applications are due by midnight on February 26, 2010 and there will be an info session at 9:00 PM on February 22 in Blair 221. Hope to see you all there!!

Ineffective Foreign Aid in Africa

The effect of the United States’ domestic politics on its foreign policy and how this may impact countries receiving US financial aid is rarely considered. This includes Tanzania as it receives aid from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. Although this article is a little dated, it describes some key issues pertaining to the distribution of AIDS relief funds, such as mixing morality with aid and the difficulty of tracking the effectiveness of funds. Further explanation of the current problems with general international aid organizations can be found here.

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Government Fundraising in Tanzania

Funding for HIV/AIDS in Tanzania from the government and international donors from 2007 to 2008 is expected to total more than 568 billion Tanzanian shillings, or about $476 million, according to a recently released government report, the Africa Science News Service reports.

According to the report, aid from the U.S. and the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria accounted for 86% of donor support in 2007 and might increase to more than 90% in 2008. In addition, the report found that funding for HIV/AIDS services is expected to equal 10% of all public expenditure in the country, or about 3% of Tanzania’s gross domestic product.

The report also noted that in 2006, HIV treatment and care represented 64% of combined U.S. and Global Fund aid. HIV prevention accounted for 15% of total expenditure, and economic and social support accounted for 8% in 2006, the report found.

The report also predicts continued increases in HIV/AIDS aid at levels of more than 500 billion shillings, or about $419 million, in 2008. However, the increase is based on the confirmation of a proposed increase in funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to $300 million, Africa Science News Service reports (Neondo, Africa Science News Service, 5/7).

Semester Updates

AIDSTanzania is making many connections here in Virginia, both on and off campus. This weekend is Parents’ weekend here at the College of William and Mary, and two of our members were asked to present on the effects of international service. After the presentation, interested parents were able to talk more personally with our group, as we tabled in the lobby with our informational poster and hand outs.

In addition to reaching out to our students parents, we are going to be partnering with the Williamsburg Regional Library and SWEM library to present our documentary. Working with such active community partners, we expect a great turn out from the local Williamsburg community, presenting a perfect opportunity to spread awareness of ourselves as an organization, as well as the issues we work with year-round.

-Meghan

Testing Days

At our testing days we provide more than just HIV/AIDS Testing.  This photo is from the UAACC testing day where we had a table set up with numerous condoms and cucumbers. People could take as many condoms as they wished and could practice the proper way of using one with us. We had intstructions in swahili that they could take home with them as well.  We think it is important to teach about the prevention of HIV/AIDS and this is one way we get that message out there.

Needle Exchange Programs

As someone who volunteered for a summer at the Berkeley Needle Exchange, I know how effective these honest and socially responsible programs can be. Here is an excellent editorial on the subject. 

Devin

Duffy–The Antigen Receptor, Not the Infectious Pop Singer

Here’s a write-up of a fascinating study about an antigen receptor present in a high percentage of people living in Africa that 1) protects the body from Malaria, but 2) could increase susceptibility to HIV infection, but could also 3) protect the immune system once the individual is HIV positive.