SPEECHES

Ambassador John Campbell
Remarks
To PEPFAR Agencies and Implementing Partners in Nigeria
Annual PEPFAR Retreat

Date: February 26, 2007
Venue: RockView Hotel, Abuja

Thank you, Atim, for that kind introduction, and thank you all for allowing me this opportunity to address you on this important occasion.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. 

It is honor to be here with you today.  Not just as the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, but also on a personal level.  As an American, I am grateful for what you do and represent.

I have been to the field and have seen the demanding nature of the activities your organizations conduct.  The American Embassy in Nigeria is proud of the commitment you have shown to this work.

The ability to carry out demanding operations, in sometimes highly challenging situations, reflects the high standard of professionalism of your organizations, and, of course, your effective collaboration with government of Nigeria counterparts.

I first addressed the PEPFAR implementing partners at this same venue nearly 2 years ago.  Since that time, we have achieved encouraging results, such as antiretroviral treatment for those infected with HIV, including pregnant women, community outreach for HIV awareness, and providing care and support to children orphaned by AIDS, as well as other vulnerable children. 

In addition, we have provided diagnostics and treatment of TB to many HIV positive individuals.

Equally important, together we have supported Nigeria in the critical areas of human capacity development, policy development, and strengthening health systems capacity and effectiveness.

Before I go any further, I want to share my thoughts on the characteristics of successful development partners. 

Development partners must think strategically, giving due diligence to the sustainability of programs. 

They must support one another and promote synergies. 

They must combine skills with compassion in a professional setting that saves lives and salvages livelihoods. 

They must be able to build collaborative partnerships across sectoral and organizational boundaries. 

To be truly effective, they must embody positive individual qualities such as integrity, vision, and self-confidence. 

On the issue of HIV and AIDS, they must have the ability to help the infected and affected to reclaim and enhance their human dignity.  And, a development partner must have a solid work ethic.

I am proud that these characteristics are demonstrated every day by the people in this room.

I am sure this workshop will provide you and your partners valuable lessons to enhance further your knowledge, effectiveness and team spirit for the challenges that Nigeria, like all the other PEPFAR focus countries, presents.

This workshop is a strategic communication vehicle that affords all of us the opportunity to reflect on past achievements, and to provide focus for future actions and goals.

Success is not a solitary journey.  We share a common bond, we share a common goal, we share a common humanity, and we are united by the experience of having touched lives through PEPFAR.  Each of you, in your own way, has faced challenges, difficulties, and sacrifices to fulfill our mission, and, I can say, you have done well.

We have the opportunity and privilege to serve the Nigerian people: helping some move from sickness to health; empowering them; educating them to avoid risky behavior to improve the quality of their lives and to serve their communities.
 
I am reminded ladies and gentlemen of the African proverb, “tasty soup (meal) draws seats (people) to itself’.  In other words, a good act is its own recognition.

I wish you strength, good health, tenacity of purpose, and singleness of mind as you continue your good works in 2007.

Thank you and I wish you a successful workshop.