In January 2000 the European Union and the USA decided to launch a joint programme to help Ukraine tackle the rapidly increasing threat from the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It will consist of three key elements: A national prevention programme unit; Oblast (regional level) youth prevention demonstration projects; Support to indigenous NGOs. The programme will be financed with grants of Euro 1.8 million from the EU and $ 2.0 million from the US. It will begin in 2000 and run for three years, and aims to help Ukraine address the threat through better public awareness and prevention measures, better co-ordination and sharing of best practice amongst those engaged in the front line fight against the disease, and direct support to Oblasts, local NGOs, and other support groups who are working with high risk groups.