Hiv campaign

The Global Fund has approved some $42 million to fight the virus in South Sudan, according to the AIDS Commission.

The Director of Prevention at the Commission, Gabriel Atilio, says South Sudan presented a proposal to the Global Fund two years ago; seeking funds to address HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria cases in the country.

“The $42 million is only for HIV, for a period of two years and three months,” Mr Atilio told Eye Radio.

He added that the funds will be managed by the UN Development Program.

The commission estimates that there are 13,000 new infections annually, and about 150,000 people are living with the HIV/AIDS in the country.

The disease is spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. It can be prevented through abstinence, being faithful to uninfected partner or using condoms.

Officials attribute the state of the virus in the young nation on lack of awareness.