Tag Archives: HIV/AIDS

Clinton on Iran / $125 Million for Refugees / A Concert for Flood Recovery

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The United States supports the Iranian people as they seek to fulfill their democratic aspirations. The United States will contribute $125 million in aid for refugees. The U.S. government is preparing for a sustained war against HIV/AIDS. As the 10th Cricket World Cup approaches this weekend, the popularity of cricket in the U.S. remains a well-kept sporting secret. And finally, a concert at Carnegie Hall benefits the flood survivors of Pakistan’s Indus Valley.

Clinton Says U.S. Supports Iranian Aspirations
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Obama administration’s support for the aspirations of the Egyptian people is also true for Iran. She adds that protests under way in Iran are “a testament to the courage of the Iranian people.”

$125 Million in Refugee Aid
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The United States will contribute $125 million toward the 2011 budget of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The refugee contributions will support “the provision of water, shelter, food, healthcare and education to refugees, internally displaced persons and persons under UNHCR’s care and protection” in several different countries. At right, Sudanese refugees at a refugee camp in eastern Chad.

A U.S. War Against HIV/AIDS
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The U.S. government is preparing for a sustained war against HIV/AIDS, with a goal of reaching more people while reducing costs.

Cricket in America
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Cricket fans around the world — including millions of fans and thousands of players in the United States — are awaiting the February 19 start of the 10th Cricket World Cup. People have played cricket in the U.S. since the country was still a British colony, says Rohit Kulkarni, director of a new documentary, “Pitch of Dreams: Cricket in America.”

The interior of Carnegie Hall in New YorkA Concert for Flood Recovery
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Artistic director George Mathew chooses Beethoven’s “Ninth Symphony” for a recent Carnegie Hall concert to benefit the flood survivors of Pakistan’s Indus Valley. Through Beethoven’s music, Mathew seeks to convey the idea that “we become more human and more ourselves when we concern ourselves with the well-being of others.” At right, the inside of Carnegie Hall.

The Late Richard Holbrooke / Hope on Human Rights / AIDS and Disabilities

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Diplomat Richard Holbrooke is remembered as a giant of foreign policy. A top U.S. State Department official says there is hope for human rights gains. The U.S. is partnering with South Africa to fight AIDS and with Canada and Mexico to help Haiti tackle an “almost overwhelming” set of challenges. And finally, activists are working to help the disabled deal with HIV/AIDS.

Remembering Richard Holbrooke
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Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who died December 13 in Washington, is remembered as a consummate diplomat, statesman and troubleshooter for the United States for nearly 50 years. He served in many diplomatic posts over the years, but will likely be best remembered for his role in negotiating the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina.


Hope on Human Rights
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As 2010 comes to a close and much of the free world concludes commemorations of the 62nd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Michael Posner, assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, shares his views in an interview with America.gov regarding current conditions for human rights.

Partnering Against AIDS
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Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signs a five-year joint strategic plan with her South African counterpart on bilateral cooperation under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. In remarks with Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane at the State Department, Clinton says the United States wants to be “a good partner” with South Africa as it confronts HIV/AIDS.

Clinton Seeks Help for Haiti
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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joins her Canadian and Mexican counterparts in calling for international cooperation to help Haiti tackle an “almost overwhelming” set of challenges. Clinton said the country’s disputed parliamentary election in November has added to the difficulties Haiti faces in recovering from a devastating earthquake and an ongoing cholera epidemic.

HIV/AIDS and Disabilities
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Rosangela Berman Bieler is a Brazilian journalist and one of a growing number of health activists trying to give persons with disabilities better access to HIV/AIDS services. Her group, the Inter-American Institute on Disability and Inclusive Development, works with governments in Latin America, the Caribbean and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Bieler, right, with Agnes Atim of Uganda, both of whom spoke at a State Department conference.

Administration committed to fighting HIV/AIDS

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Today marks World AIDS Day, and Obama administration officials are outlining how the United States is committed to fighting the disease.

At the White House yesterday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebilius, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Eric P. Goosby and Senior Advisor to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs Valerie Jerrett outlined the administration’s commitment. More detailed information is available here, but here are some highlights:

  • Through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), originally launched by President George W. Bush, the United States has supported care for more than 10.1 million people.
  • The United States has helped 240,000 babies to be born free of HIV due to a program that helps HIV-positive mothers prevent passing the virus on to their children.
  • The United States is working with other nations to establish a 5-year joint strategic framework for cooperation that will help nations work together to combat HIV/AIDS through service delivery, policy reform and coordination financial commitments.

What do you think of the administration’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS?