The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief – February 2008 Newsletter

Inside this Edition: President and Mrs. Bush Visit Africa [more] PEPFAR Introduces “Saving Lives Creating Hope,” a Documentary [more] The Power of Partnerships: Fourth Annual Report to Congress on PEPFAR [more] President Bush Delivers the 2008 State of the Union Address [more] Ambassador Dybul Visits Lesotho [more] President and Mrs. Bush Visit Africa President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Africa from February 15-21, 2008, visiting Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and Liberia. This trip provided an opportunity for a firsthand review of the significant progress accomplished through partnerships with host nations in fighting HIV/AIDS since his last visit in 2003. During the trip, President Bush highlighted the United States’ efforts to fight malaria, as well as to increase economic development. While in Africa, President Bush also announced a new initiative to fight neglected tropical diseases. During a roundtable discussion of PEPFAR at the Amana District Hospital in Dar es Salaam, President Bush said: “We’re so honored to be with the doctors and the healers, as well as those who have been helped by the program.” He added: “One of the main reasons that I want to make sure the American people know that this program is successful is because I want this program to continue to be funded. It’s in our national interests that the American generosity continue beyond my presidency.” During his visit to Rwanda, speaking at a joint press availability with President Kagame of Rwanda, President Bush stated, “And finally, Mr. President, thank you for mentioning our efforts to help you fight disease. ... I want the American people to understand that when it comes to saving lives, it’s in our national interest. I firmly believe that, Mr. President. It’s in our security interest to help alleviate areas of the world from hopelessness. It’s in our moral interest to help save lives. And that’s precisely what we’re doing, thanks to your leadership and help. This program wouldn’t be effective if your government wasn’t committed.” Additional information regarding President and Mrs. Bush’s February 2008 trip to Africa is available online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/africa/trip2008/.     PEPFAR Introduces “Saving Lives Creating Hope,” a Documentary The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan/PEPFAR) and Warner Bros. Entertainment are proud to present the trailer for “Saving Lives Creating Hope.” Developed through a public-private partnership between PEPFAR and Warner Bros., the engaging new trailer gives audiences a sneak peek of PEPFAR’s “Saving Lives Creating Hope” documentary. The documentary trailer is available online at: http://www.pepfar.gov/press/slch1/trailer/. “Saving Lives Creating Hope” is a memorable tale of the human spirit: of bold leadership and the transformational power of partnerships in the fight against global HIV/AIDS. In the documentary, government, faith, community and private sector leaders from Haiti, Rwanda and Tanzania share inspiring stories of the impact of PEPFAR. To view PEPFAR’s “Saving Lives Creating Hope” documentary online, please visit: http://www.pepfar.gov/press/slch1/.       The Power of Partnerships: Fourth Annual Report to Congress on PEPFAR The Power of Partnerships: The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Fourth Annual Report to Congress underscores the importance of the close working relationship between the American people and host nations in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Reviewing the success of President George W. Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan/PEPFAR), Ambassador Mark Dybul, PEPFAR Coordinator, said: “The Emergency Plan works in partnership with host nations to build capacity for the long run, beyond the initial five years of PEPFAR.” He added: “We’re supporting the local leadership that is turning the tide of the pandemic.” To view the report online, please visit: http://www.pepfar.gov/press/fourth_annual_report/. President Bush Delivers the 2008 State of the Union Address On January 28, President George W. Bush delivered his 2008 State of the Union address. During this address to the nation, President Bush highlighted the successes of PEPFAR and once again called on Congress to reauthorize the program for an additional $30 billion over five years. President Bush noted: “America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we are working to cut by half the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is treating 1.4 million people. We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next 5 years.” Two PEPFAR beneficiaries from Tanzania, Tatu Msangi and Faith Mang’ehe, were among the guests in the First Lady’s press box. Tatu and her daughter Faith are examples of the hope and compassion that are transforming lives with support from PEPFAR. The full transcript of President Bush’s State of the Union Address is available online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080128-13.html.       Ambassador Dybul Visits Lesotho Ambassador Mark Dybul, PEPFAR Coordinator, is pictured with U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho, Robert B. Nolan, during his visit to Lesotho from January 22 to 24, 2008. During his trip, Ambassador Dybul visited a number of PEPFAR-supported sites, including the Queen Elizabeth II hospital, a workplace program in Maputsoe, and a rural community-based project in Ketane.