Ireland to fund €208m Mozambique aid

The Government has announced a €208 million package to help fight HIV/Aids and poverty in Mozambique.

The funding, which is being dispensed through Ireland Aid, will be spread out over four years and makes Mozambique the largest recipient of Irish overseas aid.

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Michael Kitt made the announcement in the southeast African country's capital Maputo today.

He said over a third of the funding - or €71 million - will be invested in the health sector. It will go towards purchasing HIV treatment anti-retroviral drugs at reduced prices negotiated by the Clinton Foundation, founded by former US president Bill Clinton.

Other funds will help establish new HIV/Aids clinics and home-care networks. One in six of Mozambique's population between the ages of 15 and 49 are HIV positive.

"The Irish Government recognises that Mozambique has made significant progress in tackling poverty but that huge needs remain which require the continued commitment of its international partners," Mr Kitt said.

"The Irish Aid strategy and the commitment behind it are a strong indication of Ireland's level of support for further development in Mozambique."

The population of Mozambique, which is the size of Turkey, is 20 million. Its per capita GDP in 2006 was just under €1,000, making it one of the world's poorest countries. Ireland's per capita GDP was over €31,000.

Ireland first established a bilateral aid programme in Mozambique in 1996.