HARARE - Despite the ever-present challenges, there have been some tremendous successes in the last five years of the HIV/AIDS battle in Africa. Some of these successes are now starting to filter down in the form of targeted efforts to educate, protect and assist specific groups.
By reaching certain target groups in effective ways, we hope to double our successes. Therefore, here in Zimbabwe, we decided this year to focus on youth and created our own sub-theme, Take control of your future take control of your health know your status. My Embassy in Harare works in close cooperation with the Government of Zimbabwes Health Ministry and nongovernmental organizations. Together, we complement our strengths to help the young people of this country stay HIV free or have positive, successful lives if they are HIV positive. In just a few years, we have made great strides together in the fight against this deadly disease, and we are committed to continue to do so in order to build a better future for all young people.
On December 1, I joined a group of local celebrities and sports stars at a PEPFAR-supported clinic in Harare to encourage young people to get tested and to know your status. As a group, the Zimbabwean Big Brother Africa runner-up, soccer players, musicians and I went through a regular testing and counselling session. Like the mini-bus driver, township girl and government executive, we learned about the virus, how it impacts lives and how one can live a long, successful life infected or not.
To cap off this critical week dedicated to HIV/AIDS, on December 2 Zimbabwes Minister of Health and I will preside over the 10th Annual USAID Auxillia Chimusoro Awards for excellence in HIV/AIDS work and communications. While HIV-focused soccer games and medical testing with celebrities was not covered in any diplomatic training I have had in my career, these types of events are among the most important things I do as the chief representative of President Obama in Zimbabwe.
Anything focusing on this countrys youth, especially regarding their health and well-being, helps to build the foundation for a brighter future for the entire country. And that is what the United States wants in Zimbabwe a brighter future for the entire country.
Post published in: News