EMBASSY NEWSCENTRE

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Miss Cote d’Ivoire Departs With American Embassy’s AIDS Road Show to the North

The Road Show  gets ready to roll out (Photo: Yacouba Soro/US Embassy)

When the American Embassy’s AIDS Road Show set out again this morning two things were different: the destination and the composition of the team.  The destination was the North, where for the first time the caravan which has traversed the South of the country would now bring its message of abstinence, fidelity, and protection against AIDS to areas presently under the control of the New Forces.  The second difference was the presence of Miss Cote d’Ivoire, Alima Diomande, who is helping to open a discussion about AIDS amongst the youth of the country.  The Road Show will visit Korhogo, Komborodougou, Ferkéssédougou, and Bouaké during its five day trip.  The visit will include a ceremony in Bouaké to launch the 85 billion FCFA American Emergency Plan in the North and West.

“This road show is helping to break boundaries,” said U.S. Embassy Spokesman Brett Bruen, who is traveling with the delegation that includes representatives of REPMASCI and the Ministry of the Fight Against AIDS.  “Artificial boundaries that closed off discussions about AIDS, that prevented programs from functioning in the North and West of the country, and that said that Miss Cote d’Ivoire shouldn’t talk openly about such things as protecting yourself against AIDS.”

The Road Show is the latest installment of an aggressive campaign by the United States to work with Ivoirians to fight AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire.  The caravan previously traveled to Tiassalé, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro, Attecoubé, Azaguié, and Bonguanou.  It also follows on promises made by American Ambassador Aubrye Hooks during his visit to the North and West last month to bring needed aide to the region.