Speeches

Inauguration of the Sengerema Health Centre HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Center

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Remarks by Dr. Sajida Kimambo, Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Guest of Honour Mwenge Delegation

Other distinguished guests

Sengerema Oyee!

Mabibi na mabwana, habari za asubui!

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

The partnership between the people of the United States of America and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania to fight HIV/AIDS has resulted in the opening of over 80 clinics like this one all over this country over the past two years and we will be opening yet another Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) in the Mwanza region tomorrow for the residents of Geita. These clinics are funded by the American people through PEPFAR, the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. PEPFAR is the largest international health commitment ever made by any nation to fight a single disease.

Affirming the American people's commitment to improving global health, U.S. President Barack Obama recently called on the U.S. Congress to provide $63 billion (USD) to support global health initiatives over the next six years. He stated," PEPFAR is 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.” Last month’s meeting, in which President Obama hosted President Kikwete as the first African head of state; the two leaders stressed the importance of the partnership between the United States and Tanzania in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Success, however, cannot be measured in terms of dollars spent. Rather, effectiveness 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.

The Sengerema District HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment clinic provides greater access to treatment services for families and individuals in need. Clinic staff members provide services in a clean, safe and pleasant environment. In addition to providing Anti-Retroviral Treatment services, this facility also provides patient support activities, HIV counseling and testing, services to prevent HIV infection to babies, early testing services for infants and children, laboratory services, and care for patients at home. In fact, that’s what we celebrate here today-that this center will help families receive a wide range of services.

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. Last month the American Kaibu Balozi Larry André joined President Kikwete to launch a new testing campaign to test an additional 1+ million wananchi to learn their HIV-status.

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 the Senegerema District 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 again thank you for your constant 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.