It is my pleasure to join you today as we open the Hedaru HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Health Center. This is a special occasion, as we also welcome the Honorable Lt. Colonel in celebration of the Mwenge wa Taifa.

Just like the Mwenge torch, this center is a beacon of hope for the people of Hedaru affected by HIV/AIDS. This vital institution has served this community for generations, offering both in-patient and out-patient services. Today, the people of Hedaru will have improved access to life preserving care, delivered by trained staff, in a friendly and clean environment.

As I stand here on behalf of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Centers for Disease Control, I ask all of you to imagine a Tanzania free of HIV/AIDS. This care and treatment center is an important step towards achieving this vision and is the result of a strong partnership between the people of the United States and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.

In the next seven days, the Kilimanjaro communities of Mwika, Namanga, and Longido will also launch new HIV/AIDS centers as a result of the generous support from the American People.

I encourage every person in Hedaru to come to this facility to test for HIV and learn your status. If you are found to be positive, use this facility to get treatment. If you are HIV negative, learn about the ways you can stay that way and support those around you to do the same.

And to the leadership and staff of this health center, I call on you to work closely with the community to ensure those who need services receive them.

Everyone has a role in helping to achieve a Tanzania free of HIV/AIDS. Together…we have hope for the future.