Maputo — The United States Government will disburse two billion US dollars for the implementation of a number of projects in Mozambique over the next five years, mainly in the health, education and agriculture sectors, reports Thursday's issue of the daily (Diario de Mocambique).

Currently projects financed by the US administration in Mozambique amount to over 350 billion US dollars a year, of which 250 million US dollars are earmarked for the health sector.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the US charge d'affaires of the American Embassy to Mozambique, Todd Chapman speaking to reporters in the town of Beira, capital of the central province of Sofala, where he is on an official visit.

Chapman also visited the Beira Central Hospital (HCB) where he tested for HIV, arguing that his decision was to raise awareness among Mozambicans on the need to know their own HIV status.

"That money is to turn Mozambique into a more prosperous, democratic and healthy country", stressed Chapman.

He believes that would possible to achieve because his country's administration is willing to invest more in the health sector, as embodied in the plan against AIDS of the American President.

Chapman stressed that the agriculture sector is another priority for the American government.

With that sum, the USA will expand its presence in the education sector in Mozambique by awarding scholarships to medical doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, among others.

Therefore, said Chapman, the vision of the American administration includes training Mozambicans to assist more people in the health sector.

"That is our wish, our target, and because of that, the organizations we are funding are employing more than 5,000 Mozambicans and we are committed to work together with the Mozambican labour force".

This year, America will celebrate its Silver Jubilee of cooperation with Mozambique declared Chapman, expressing his satisfaction with the projects implemented by his administration, which are having a positive impact in the lives of Mozambicans.

The first project funded by the USA dates back to 1984, and was implemented under the auspices the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"Now were are celebrating all programs carried out over the last 25 years, which are many and I am going to travel to each Mozambican provinces to talk to the local people in the context of our cooperation, to learn on the ground about the impact of US financial aid", said Chapman.

He added that there is a perception that financial aid made a huge impact in the health, education, agriculture, public works and housing sectors.

Financial aid also helped farmers associations to market their produce and boost agrarian research.

US have also funded de-mining programs, demobilized soldiers and the Mozambican Army (FADM).