EU pays to improve South African healthcare

The European Commission has approved the payment of €50m (US$44m) in grants over six years to help the South African government strengthen its primary health care, in particular in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The first €25m ($22m) for the 2002-2004 period will be allocated to South Africa's Department of Health; the remainder will be paid in 2004, subject to positive external review.

Of the total amount, 40% will be disbursed to non-governmental and community-based organisations for primary healthcare delivery, especially in the poorest towns and villages in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal and Northern Province.