HC Deb 15 November 2001 vol 374 cc847-8W
Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much financial aid the UK Government have allocated to help combat the AIDS epidemic in South Africa. [14455]

Clare Short

DFID is currently designing a new multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS programme, due to start next year, with an anticipated budget of £40 million over four years. Since 1994, the UK Government have allocated £19 million to help combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa.

Mr. Simon Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to help combat the AIDS epidemic in South Africa. [14454]

Clare Short

DFID's co-operation with South Africa includes support to the Government's National HIV/AIDS and STD programme, finance for a national condom social marketing programme and assistance to various NGOs to help promote behaviour change and improve HIV/AIDS-related services. We are now working with South African partners to design a substantial new initiative which will extend our support to include the education system and the private sector.