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UPDATED: 27 May 2009 GMT
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Close Window U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Larry André (left) presents a check from the U.S. Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Relief Fund to the Child in the Sun centre. The organization will utilize the 16 million T-shilling grant to modernize their poultry farming business
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Larry André (left) presents a check from the U.S. Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Relief Fund to the Child in the Sun centre. The organization will utilize the 16 million T-shilling grant to modernize their poultry farming business
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U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Larry André (left) presents a check from the U.S. Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Relief Fund to the Child in the Sun centre. The organization will utilize the 16 million T-shilling grant to modernize their poultry farming business
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Larry André (left) presents a check from the U.S. Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Relief Fund to the Child in the Sun centre. The organization will utilize the 16 million T-shilling grant to modernize their poultry farming business

Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Relief Fund Check Presentation Ceremony

Venue: U.S. Embassy, Dar es Salaam

May 27, 2009

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Larry E. André, Jr. (as prepared)

This ceremony recognizes the commitment of the people of the United States of America and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania to the care and treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS and our shared determination to prevent further spread of the disease. The American people are providing greater resources to our Tanzanian partners here today to do just that. It is an honor for us to be in partnership with these innovative and dedicated Tanzanian service organizations.

The Ambassador's HIV/AIDS Relief Fund is paid for by the American people through PEPFAR, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. PEPFAR is the largest international health commitment ever by any nation dedicated to a single disease. Over the past five years, the American people have provided over $817 million--that's over 1 trillion T-shillings--to Tanzania to combat HIV/AIDS. This year, we expect to provide an additional $300 million to further advance our combined efforts.

Affirming our commitment to improve global health, U.S. President Barack Obama called on the U.S. Congress to provide $63 billion to support global health initiatives over the next six years. Earlier this month, President Obama proclaimed PEPFAR as an “effective” program that “has provided lifesaving medicines and prevention efforts to millions of people living in some of the world’s most extreme conditions.”

We created the HIV/AIDS Relief Fund to assist Tanzania’s most effective community service organizations in their fight against HIV/AIDS. Each year, we award $150,000 dollars, approximately 200 million Tanzanian shillings, from the HIV/AIDS Relief Fund to help community service organizations provide relief and assistance to Orphans and Vulnerable Children and People Living with HIV/AIDS.

This year’s nine recipients have earned their grants by developing innovative programs to combat HIV/AIDS. For example,

  • in Songea, the African Institute for Comparative Law (AICIL) will use a seven million Tsh grant to broadcast a weekly radio show that will educate residents and local officials of the HIV/AIDS Act of 2008.

  • In Dar es Salaam, the Child in the Sun centre will utilize a 16 million T-shilling grant to modernize their poultry farming business, proceeds of which will finance educational programs for Dar es Salaam’s street children.

  • In Mbeya, the Olive Branch for Children is introducing a Home based care program for the under-served residents of Mbarli.

 

These are only a few examples of the many worthwhile projects that will benefit from Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Relief Fund grants and the inspiring work of Tanzania’s community groups.

On behalf of the American people, I say “hongera sana!” to our partners gathered here today. When your projects are completed, I, or members of our team here will be eager to visit your towns to participate in any inauguration celebrations and other activities.

As our partnership continues to grow, I know you will succeed in improving the health and well-being of the wananchi, and so contribute to a brighter future for this beautiful country. Our shared achievement brings our two countries, and our two peoples, even closer together.

Asanteni Sana!