SPEECHES

Ambassador John Campbell
Remarks
Press Briefing on PEPFAR Renewal

June 7, 2007
Abuja

All protocols observed.

Good morning.  I would like to thank you for joining us at this press briefing.

On Wednesday, May 30, 2007, U.S. President George W. Bush announced his intention to work with Congress to reauthorize the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 - the legislation that established the U.S. President’s Emergency Action Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Through this new initiative, the President plans to double the initial $15 billion commitment in 2003 by proposing to commit an additional $30 billion over five years from 2009-2013.

This press briefing affords me an opportunity to inform the Nigerian people of this initiative, which will help sustain and expand life-saving treatment, comprehensive prevention programs and care for those in need, including orphans and vulnerable children.

It should be noted that Nigeria is one of the Emergency Plan’s 15 focus countries, which collectively represent approximately 50 percent of HIV infections worldwide.

The current Emergency Plan programs support the priorities of the Government of Nigeria in providing a comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care program to its people.

Under the 2003 $15 billion commitment, Nigeria received more than $70.9 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2004, more than $110.2 million in FY2005, $163.1 million in FY2006, and nearly $304 million in FY2007.

The U.S. Government inter-agency team (the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, State Department, and USAID) works closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, the Ministry of Defence, the National Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS (NACA) and the Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund.

This partnership assures the Emergency Plan’s integration with the Government of Nigeria’s own programs in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Working together in this way, significant progress has been achieved by the dedicated people of Nigeria, including faith-based, community-based and other humanitarian organizations.

The Emergency Plan is strongly dedicated to supporting their efforts.

Since the inception of PEPFAR in Nigeria in 2004, we have achieved encouraging results, such as free diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment for those infected with HIV (including pregnant women), community outreach for HIV awareness and prevention, 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 HIV positive individuals.

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

As of March 2007, PEPFAR has made significant contributions to Nigeria's HIV response since 2004, when our partnership began.  Examples of these contributions include:
 
More than 900,000 people have been reached with HIV counseling and testing services;

More than 250,000 pregnant women have been provided with health services for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and;

More than 80,000 men, women and children are on anti-retroviral therapy.

Upon congressional approval of the President’s latest request, the next phase of the American people’s commitment to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS will begin.

This next phase will globally support treatment for 2.5 million people, prevention of more than 12 million new infections, and provide care for more than 12 million infected and affected people, including 5 million orphaned and vulnerable children.

We will further expand efforts to support the Government of Nigeria in strengthening health systems, and in leveraging resources that address malaria, tuberculosis, child and maternal health, clean water, food and nutrition, education and other needs.

Emphasis will be placed on transitioning from an “emergency plan” to a sustainable response for treatment, prevention and care.

In closing, I would like to reiterate the US commitment to continue our collaboration with the Nigerian Government and civil society in combating HIV and AIDS.

Together, we are making a difference.
I am reminded of the African proverb, “a roaring lion kills no game.”  In other words, you cannot gain anything by sitting around talking about it – you must get up and work for it.

To our friend and partner – Nigeria – my government stands with you in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Thank you for your attention.