Remarks by Ambassador James McGee

Occassion: Launch of the EGPAF Family AIDS Initiatives Program of Support for the National PMTCT Program, Murewa District Council, January 16, 2008

SalutationThe Honorable Minister of Health and Child Welfare, Dr David Parirenyatwa
Senior Government of Zimbabwe Officials, Chief Executive Director of National AIDS Council, Dr. Magure, The President and CEO of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Ms Pamela Barnes and Dr. Maurice Adams, VP Africa Operations, EGPAF, Traditional Leadership, Colleagues and Partners, Young People, Ladies and Gentlemen...

It is a great pleasure to be with you here today to celebrate the launch of the Zimbabwe Family AIDS Initiative (FAI) which is for us the continuation of an important partnership and an important cause – the prevention of mother to child transmission in Zimbabwe and pediatric HIV/AIDS care and treatment.

Although I have only been in Zimbabwe for a few months now, I have traveled extensively and lived in several countries in Africa.  I have witnessed the tragedy of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.  But I have also witnessed the new hope that has arisen from the advances in HIV medicine, prevention, treatment and care over the last 20 years.

It was once unimaginable that people with HIV could live long, healthy lives on simple, inexpensive drug regimens, or indeed that we could prevent transmission of the virus to the infants of HIV positive mothers.  Or, that we would see the day that prevalence rates began to decline as we, collectively, learned how to manage this disease. 

This growing hope is encouraging, but there is still much work to be done.  We understand more, much more, than we did before.  We’re getting smart about this disease.  Prevalence rates are declining, but let us not rest on our laurels.  We have many miles to go to ensure that we not only do not transmit the disease to our children, but that they have a safe future.  That is what Elizabeth Glazer was all about.  That is what this program is all about.  It is the kids, the true wealth and future of this country.

Today there are 1.3 million Zimbabweans who are living with HIV.  Of that, over 130,000 children are infected.  Over 1 million children are orphaned or vulnerable.  We cannot be complacent as we continue to have new infections each day and over 17,300 new infections in children last year alone.

I want to assure you that the United States – its  people and its government – is committed to assisting Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and our non-governmental partners, in its efforts to decrease the rates of HIV transmission, provide care and support for those affected, and implement sustainable, effective, and equitable treatment programs.  As a very tangible measure of our commitment, the United States provided over 30 million US dollars last year for HIV/AIDS programs in Zimbabwe. 

We have also made HIV/AIDS a priority of our staff – USAID, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, and the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section.  Along with all of our partners, we strongly believe in a comprehensive approach to the HIV epidemic that includes prevention, treatment, and care. 

Our partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child welfare is not only mitigating the effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, it is strengthening Zimbabwe’s health delivery systems.  It is a good partnership and one that knows no politics.

I am well aware that the true success of every program depends on those who are implementing it.  EGPAF remains one of the finest organizations and programs in Zimbabwe.  It is staffed by solid professionals who believe in what they are doing and do their very best at it.  I know that they will put our US taxpayer dollars to good use this year.

An essential component of EGPAF’s program is operational research.  In Zimbabwe, this would translate to “making a plan”.  You find out what is wrong and you solve it or find a better way.  Under the program we are launching today, EGPAF will continue its pioneering research into more effective treatment regimens for the prevention of mother to child transmission.  Operationally, they are bringing access to this lifesaving treatment closer to where it is needed by working with the MOH to adapt policies to meet the needs of people.   They are working with the MOH to solve problems in real time.  That is pragmatic, and that works!

We are very appreciative and proud of EGPAF and the work that they have done on our behalf in pediatric AIDS and preventing mother to child transmission of HIV in Zimbabwe.  We are pleased to be able to provide them with financial support for an additional five years.  Our assistance complements the significant funding and commitment that other donors – in particular the UK’s Department for International Development – and the Expanded Support Program have provided to these initiatives.   It represents a very solid investment in the future – of Zimbabwe and her children.

The achievements of many of you here today provide evidence that collectively we can reduce the spread and impact of this epidemic.  It is clear that we can prevent new pediatric infections and improve the lives of many people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.  Through the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and its partners, we are reducing the rates of mother to child transmission and improving the quality of pediatric HIV care in Zimbabwe.

I want to honor the many efforts that each one of you is making to mitigate the epidemic.  As Karen said before me, I want to thank you personally for the sacrifices that you are making, particularly during these hard times that Zimbabwe is experiencing.

The United States will continue to join and assist you in your battle against HIV/AIDS. It will take commitment and strong leadership to overcome the challenges that we are all facing.  And, together, in strong partnership, we will make a difference.

Thank you all.