US to allocate $37.5M for Ukraine to fight HIV/AIDS

The United States has announced its intention to allocate $37.5 million to fight HIV/AIDS in Ukraine.

This was announced by Public Health Center of the Health Ministry of Ukraine, Censor.NET reports citing Ukrinform.

"The United States government will allocate $37.5 million for the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ukraine as part of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)," the statement reads.

About $5.6 million is allocated for the purchase of medicines and medicinal products. Nearly $6 million is provided to strengthen Ukraine's healthcare system.

The Public Health Center said such assistance was made possible after Ukraine has fulfilled its obligations and increased public funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

The state budget of Ukraine for 2017 allocates 684 million hryvnia ($25.3 million) for the purchase of antiretroviral drugs, which is by 171% more than in 2016.