Press Release
Mama Salma Kikwete and Mrs. Sue Green Mark the Day of the African Child by Taking Anti-Stigma Pledge
June 17, 2008
Dar es Salaam –In honor of the Day of the African Child on Monday, June 16th Mama Salma Kikwete and Mrs. Sue Green, wife of the U.S. Ambassador, were appointed as Champions against Stigma. As Champions against Stigma, Mama Kikwete and Mama Green pledged to stand up against the stigma and discrimination experienced by vulnerable children. In doing so, they are challenging and addressing stigma that is harmful to children. At today’s event, both Mama Salma and Mrs. Green, as well as the Honorable Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children Margret Sitta, conveyed the message that stigma against orphans and vulnerable children is unjust, unwarranted and unwelcome in Tanzania.
The event was hosted by the Wanawake na Maendeleo Foundation (WAMA) and supported by the American People through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The themes of the day’s event focused on protecting and caring for all of our children without discrimination and overcoming the problem of stigma together. Addressing those gathered together, Mrs. Green said, “As an Anti-Stigma Champion, I pledge to lend my voice…Change happens when each of us accepts personal responsibility for getting involved and improving the lives of others. If you see stigma happening, get involved. Remember that all Tanzanian children deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.”
Support for the Anti-Stigma campaign is part of overall U.S. Government direct and multilateral assistance to Tanzania of more than 750 billion Tanzanian shillings this fiscal year. In line with the Government of Tanzania’s National Plan of Action, the U.S. Government supports a large number of international and local NGOs, including faith-based organizations, to provide essential services and vital support to the most vulnerable children in Tanzania. The event was coordinated by the Jali Watoto Initiative, with additional support from PASADA (Pastoral Activities and Services for People living with HIV/AIDS in Dar es Salaam Arch Diocese). The Jali Watoto Initiative is being implemented by Pact Tanzania and is funded by the American people.
For more information about PEPFAR related programs, please contact the Press Office at the U.S. Mission at 266-8001 ext. 4181 or Judy Wiegert, PEPFAR media outreach coordinator at the same number.