Washington — The World Bank today approved new financial help to improve maternal and child health services and prevent the further spread of HIV in Madagascar. The Bank will finance a cost-effective program of health, nutrition, and sexually transmitted STI/HIV/AIDS services. These will address urgent needs of vulnerable groups including pregnant women and children under five, as well as those most at risk of STI/HIV/AIDS, such as youth, military, and sex workers.
Executive Directors of the World Bank Group's Board approved new additional financing in the form of a zero-interest IDA* credit of US$6 million for the Second Multisectoral STI/HIV/AIDS prevention project (MSPP II). This will build on the original project, which was approved in 2005 with financing of US$30 million. In addition to the health, nutrition and STI/HIV/AIDS package, the new funds will also help innovate delivery of services to communities and individuals.
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