Speeches

Inauguration of the Mugana HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Centers

Venue: Kagera Region

April 21, 2009

Remarks by U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Larry André (as prepared)

Regional Commissioner, Honorable Col. Enos Mfuru

Other distinguished guests

Missenyi Oyee!

Rais Kikwete, Oyee!

Rais Obama, Oyee!

Mabibi na mabwana, habari za asubuhi!

I am honored to join all of you this morning to help launch this new HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Health Center for the residents of the Missenyi District.

This is one of over 80 clinics we have opened in the last two years all over Tanzania. The people of America and the people of Tanzania are partners in the fight against this disease. These clinics are the result of our partnership. Funding for this clinic comes from the American people through PEPFAR, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. PEPFAR is the largest international health commitment ever made by any nation to fight a single disease.

During remarks he made on World AIDS Day, President Obama promised to continue PEPFAR's historic commitment to fight AIDS worldwide, stating, “I salute President Bush for his leadership in crafting a plan for AIDS relief in Africa and backing it up with funding dedicated to saving lives and preventing the spread of the disease. And my administration will continue this critical work to address the crisis around the world.”

Success is measured in terms of the millions of Tanzanians who have received voluntary testing and counseling, the millions who receive care and treatment, and the millions who have understood--and applied--prevention messages.

This Care and Treatment clinic provides greater access to treatment services for families and individuals in need. And the staff provides services in a clean, safe and pleasant environment. In addition to providing Anti-Retroviral Treatment services, this facility also provides adherence and psycho-social support activities, HIV Counseling and testing, services to prevent HIV infection to babies among pregnant women; early testing services for infants and children, laboratory services and care for clients at home.

Furthermore, Mugana has created a ‘family friendly’ location for children and their parents, by equipping the center with educational materials and toys. And these services are available every single day. In fact, that’s another highlight to celebrate--these centers will help families receive a wide range of services. While PEPFAR is aimed at one disease – HIV/AIDS – the services these centers provide help Tanzanians and the national health care system in many ways.

We need all of you to take the opportunity to, free of charge, learn your HIV status and sensitize your friends and family to do the same. His Excellency President Kikwete and First Lady Mama Kikwete have led the way. In July 2007, the First Couple publicly tested for HIV/AIDS. Since then, following their example, over 4 million Tanzanians have been tested.

It is only through testing that you can plan for your future. If you are found to be HIV positive, enroll yourself at the Care and Treatment clinics at Mugana Health Center. If you are HIV negative, learn about the ways that you can stay that way and support those around you to do the same.

You can take control of your own future . . . and know that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you as you do.

On behalf of the American people, I thank you for your tireless commitment to improving the health of this country. We will continue to work steadfast with you and the entire Tanzanian nation to fulfill President Kikwete’s vision of a “Tanzania without AIDS." We believe it is possible.

TANZANIA BILA UKIMWI INAWEZEKANA.
AHSANTENI SANA