Speeches

Inauguration of the Baylor Pediatric HIV/AIDS Initiative

Venue: Mwanza Bugando Health Center

April 24, 2009

Remarks by U.S. AID's Gene Peuse (as prepared)

I am delighted to be here today on behalf of the American People, the United States Government, and the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief --otherwise known as PEPFAR--to witness the 2nd of the two ground breaking events; The first took place in Mbeya Referral Hospital exactly a week ago and today we are witnessing the second ground breaking event here in Mwanza.

I am delighted to see the evolution of the Pediatric HIV program that is led by Baylor and implemented by several U.S. Government partners’ as it complements existing efforts that are working on the ground. We are doing this work to support the Government of Tanzania and the Ministry of Health achieve their Multisectoral and Health sector HIV strategy and goals and strengthen the health of all Tanzanians.

This PEPFAR Public Private partnership includes: the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, the Texas children Hospital, Jan and Dan Duncan and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The five year program was signed in August 2008 with a total funding of about 45 million US dollars with PEPFAR contributing up to 22.5 million over five years and our partners in the private sector contributing an additional 22.5 million US dollars.

This program not only brings in several partners, but also massive amounts of resources, both financial and technical. I am aware of the good work BIPAI has already undertaken since last August. They rapidly deployed personnel, initiated procurement activities, and have built strong relationships with technical personnel in Mwanza and Mbeya; We are pleased by the Pediatric Corps who are devoting their lives, time and their energies to the children of Tanzania.

Today's ground breaking is only one activity out of several components of the program that aims to bring comprehensive HIV services to children. In addition to construction of clinics and deployment of pediatric corps, other program components include: training and capacity building, providing pediatric HIV services to manage opportunistic infections; testing, and provision of ARVs to children. We feel that the training component, especially engaging Tanzanian medical and nursing schools, will contribute positively to a skilled work force and sustainability.

Addressing pediatric HIV is a challenge on its own as we have very few doctors who specialize in pediatric medicine. It is also a challenge for health workers to convince parents to get their children tested and access better HIV care that is currently available. BIPAI is working with partners to address some of these major hurdles.

On behalf of the American people and the U.S. Government, I would like to express my thanks to our partners: the Government of Tanzania, The Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and the Bugando Medical Center leadership for their hard work. I also like to thank our private sector partners for their contributions. We look forward to continuing working together in partnership to strengthen the health of this country's children, to ensure a prosperous future for us all. Asanteni sana.