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World AIDS Day: Leadership and Partnership
World AIDS Day, December 1, is an opportunity to remember the more that 25 million people who have died from AIDS and support the 33 million people who are living with HIV around the world. It is also a time to recommit ourselves to compassionate action, strong leadership, and the power of partnerships between Cote d’Ivoire and the United States — partnerships that are creating new hope.
For World AIDS Day 2007, the governments of Cote d’Ivoire and of the United States have chosen complementary themes: “Leadership” and “The Power of Partnerships.” The two go hand in hand, emphasizing the importance of political will and highlighting the successes and promise of partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Leading the way together, the people of Cote d’Ivoire and the United States can and will achieve much more in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Recognizing that HIV/AIDS was a global health emergency requiring emergency action, in 2003, President George W. Bush led the United States in restoring hope by establishing the five-year, $15 billion President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan/PEPFAR).
In 2007, the United States’ commitment to Cote d’Ivoire is $84 million, rising from $25 million in 2004. This support has led to remarkable results in 2007: Through the work of PEPFAR partners, 34,900 people in Cote d’Ivoire are on antiretroviral treatment, 73,500 people living with HIV/AIDS have received care, 35,200 orphans and vulnerable children are receiving care and support, and hundreds of thousands of people, young and old, have been given the knowledge and skills to protect themselves and future generations from the disease.
Building on success, President Bush announced his intention to work with U.S. Congress to renew the Emergency Plan. His five-year, $30 billion proposal would be in addition to the United States’ initial $15 billion commitment made in 2003.
The success of the Emergency Plan in 2007 is firmly rooted in partnerships. The American people are not just donors but partners, working hand in hand with the people of Cote d’Ivoire — including governments, faith- and community-based organizations, and the private sector — to build systems and to empower individuals and communities. Over the past three years, we have seen this partnership in action in Cote d’Ivoire.
With the financial and technical support of PEPFAR, the ministries of the Fight Against AIDS, of Health, of Education, and of the Family and Social Affairs are providing leadership in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment in health centers, in schools, and in communities across the country. Nongovernmental partners are extending their services year by year, such as ANADER in rural areas, ACONDA-VS in health facilities, and RIP+ via its member organizations of persons living with HIV/AIDS. At the local level, mayors are supporting HIV testing centers, and faith- and community-based organizations are providing care for orphans and other vulnerable children.
The foundation of success has been true partnership. These partnerships are founded in the profound sense of dignity and worth of every human life, and in trust and mutual respect between the peoples of our nations. Working together to unleash the power of partnerships, the American people and the people of Cote d’Ivoire are committed to win this fight — together.
