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PEPFAR - Frequently Asked
Questions |
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| Q: |
What is PEPFAR? |
| A: |
PEPFAR is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in developing
nations around the world. It is a $15 billion international relief
effort. |
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| Q: |
What is the status of HIV/AIDS in these nations? |
| A: |
Estimates are that some 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS
in developing nations. In Zambia, for instance, some 1.2 million
people are affected by the condition. The disease has affected nearly
one in five adults and orphaned 650,000 children. |
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In Ethiopia, government officials estimate that more than four
million citizens are infected with the HIV virus and about one-third
of all Ethiopian hospital beds are occupied by HIV carriers. |
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| Q: |
What other nations are involved in PEPFAR? |
| A: |
In addition to Ethiopia and Zambia, targeted nations include Botswana,
Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South
Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Haiti, Guyana, Zambia, Lesotho, Swaziland
and Viet Nam. |
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| Q: |
Why is ASCP involved? |
| A: |
High-quality laboratory science is based on accurate testing,
reliable diagnosis and effective treatment monitoring. Apart from
being the “right” thing to do, ASCP has long been dedicated to educating
laboratory professionals and assessing their ongoing competency. |
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That’s why ASCP was picked by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories
(APHL) to implement quality assurance programs and laboratory training
in the nations, primarily African nations, covered by the PEPFAR. |
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| Q: |
How many ASCP members have participated to date? |
| A: |
In the past year, 14 ASCP member/volunteers have played roles
assessing the situation in Africa, serving as trainers, and participating
in Work Groups developing training materials. Eleven of the 14 have
actually traveled to Africa. |
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| Q: |
Which countries will you be working in as a result of
this cooperative agreement? |
| A: |
ASCP will be working in Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia,
Lesotho and Swaziland (and possibly more). |
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| Q: |
What is the condition of laboratories in Africa? |
| A: |
There is a wide range of conditions – from small, less well-equipped,
laboratories in clinics to well-equipped labs in larger institutions.
Whatever the condition of the laboratory is more than compensated
by well-trained laboratorians who are extremely dedicated to improving
the health of the citizens of their respective countries. |
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