EMBASSY NEWSCENTRE

Media Advisories

Ambassador & Miss Cote d’Ivoire to Launch AIDS Programs in the North & West

American Ambassador Aubrey Hooks and Alima Diomande, Miss Cote d’Ivoire 2006, will travel to Bouaké on Friday, August 25, 2006, to launch the American Emergency Plan’s expansion to the North and West of the country.  The 2.5 billion F CFA program will help to rehabilitate the health sector in the regions presently under the control of the New Forces, to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, treat those infected by the virus, and provide care for orphans and vulnerable children affected by the epidemic.  Miss Cote d’Ivoire will also participate in the latest installment of the American Embassy’s AIDS Road Show, which will visit Korhogo, Kombordougou, Ferkédougou, and Bouaké, to sensitize the public about AIDS.  Representatives from the Ministry of the Fight Against AIDS and REPMASCI will also participate in the caravan.

“Having announced last week an unprecedented 85 billion F CFA commitment to the fight against AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire, we are now going to bring our campaign to all regions of the country,” said Brett Bruen, Spokesman at the American Embassy.  “When the Ambassador traveled to the North and West last month, he said that the United States would help to restore hope to these regions and we are keeping our promise.”

There is limited space for journalists to take a flight up to Bouaké to cover the event and to return the same day.  Each media organization will be limited to one journalist and applications must be received no later than 14:00 on Friday, August 18, 2006.  The application should be faxed on the letterhead of your organization to 22 49 42 19 and include a completed copy of ONUCI’s flight request form.  Journalists who have been selected for the trip will be notified on Monday, August 21, 2006.  Questions regarding the program may be directed to Yacouba Soro at 22 49 46 05 or via email to abjpress@state.gov.