SPEECHES

Ambassador John Campbell

Remarks

Formal Launch of the PEPFAR/USAID Positive Living Project

March 21, 2007
Abuja

Protocols.

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am honored to be here today to celebrate a milestone in the growing partnership between Nigerian governments at all levels, the American Government, and Nigerian and American non-governmental organizations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

I am particularly honored formally to launch the Positive Living Project, since I have already had the pleasure of witnessing Positive Living’s work during my participation in World AIDS Day activities in Shagamu in December.

This particular program represents a four-year, twelve million dollar commitment by the American people, working through Nigerian institutions, to reduce the suffering of Nigerians living with HIV and AIDS, and to bring hope to them and their communities.

The Positive Living program is an important step in building a community-based network of care and support for the four million men, women and children living with HIV in Nigeria.

The project will provide much needed support for those families affected by HIV, particularly in rural and other hard-to-reach communities.

It will also focus on ways to prevent the spread of the disease.

America’s commitment to fight HIV/AIDS around the world was focused four years ago when President George Bush launched the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, with strong and vigorous support from our U.S. Congress.

I am proud to report that it is the largest commitment ever made by any nation for an international health initiative dedicated to a single disease.

Nigeria has already received almost four hundred million dollars under the President’s Plan to support a comprehensive, Nigeria-led response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The Emergency Plan has been implemented at every level through a strong partnership with, and commitment from, the Government of Nigeria and his Excellency President Obasanjo.

We are pleased to continue this great partnership.

Positive Living represents more than a commitment at the national level to fight HIV/AIDS.

It is a community partnership designed to ensure that each of us has the tools to turn the tide against this epidemic in our own backyards.

Healthy communities are the backbone of every great nation, and so I am particularly pleased that Positive Living will work hand-in-hand with local organizations and faith-based partners.

On behalf of the American people, I want to commend you all for your continued commitment to confronting this pandemic.

Together, we can ensure that “Positive Living” becomes possible for many more Nigerians.

And now, it gives me great pleasure to officially launch the Positive Living project.

Thank you.