£20m for Zimbabwe Aids programme

The programme aims to boost HIV and Aids testing and counselling

Britain has awarded £20 million to a programme aimed at fighting Zimbabwe's HIV and Aids epidemic.

The cash will be used to provide testing and counselling services and encourage safe sex, the Department for International Development said.

The scheme will distribute more than 250 million condoms, including female ones, through 700 hair salons.

Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, with one in five adults infected.

The funding is being given to Population Services International, a US-based non-governmental organisation which will run the five-year programme.

People should not die because they have sex Hilary Benn International Development Secretary

The scheme will be co-funded by the US Agency for International Development.

It is hoped more than a million Zimbabweans who are unaware they are HIV positive will be helped by the scheme.

A national campaign will also be launched aimed at breaking down the stigma around Aids.

It will include workers visiting villages around the country to educate residents using games and music.

HIV rate falling

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn said: "People should not die because they have sex.

"By giving them the knowledge and the means to protect themselves we can save many lives.

"That's why we're helping to make HIV prevention services more accessible to more people.

"There has been progress in Zimbabwe over the last few years, with the HIV rate falling, particularly amongst vulnerable young women.

"By continuing to get the right message across we can build towards our goal of an Aids-free generation."