Giving Mothers a Very Special Gift
Posted by Eric Goosby / May 13, 2012
![Woman enters mobile healthcare clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 29, 2010. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2011_0218_health_clinic_m.jpg)
What is the greatest gift we can give a mother this Mother's Day? There are many answers, but one is to help her live and help her children live a healthy life.
As we celebrate Mother's Day and think about mothers around the world, the American people are working through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to make every day Mother's Day. This program is quietly saving lives every day, restoring the health and hope of mothers and children.
Each year, nearly 400,000 children are born with HIV around the world, with sub-Saharan Africa being the most challenged region. In June of last year… more »
Mission to Nigeria Spotlights Progress, Challenges in Preventing Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV
Posted by Eric Goosby / April 30, 2012
![Nigerian mother, a victim of AIDS, holds her HIV-free daughter, at the Abuja National Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria, July 12, 2003. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0430_nigeria_pmtct_m.jpg)
Last year PEPFAR and UNAIDS joined with other partners to launch the Global Plan, an initiative to eliminate new HIV infections among children and keep their mothers alive. Last week I was proud to take part in a two-day mission to Nigeria with Michel Sidibe, UNAIDS Executive Director. (As I described in this post last week, our visit was interrupted by the tragic bombings.)
Each year, nearly 400,000 children are born with HIV globally, and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) is a particular challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, an area characterized by weak health systems. Incredibly, Nigeria alone bears about one-third… more »
In Nigeria, Remembering Lives Lost
Posted by Eric Goosby / April 27, 2012
![Ambassador Eric Goosby and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe remember lives lost during the 2011 United Nations House bombing in Nigeria, April 26, 2012. [Photo Courtesy of UNAIDS/P.Ekpei]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0427_goosby_nigeria_m.jpg)
I am writing from Abuja, Nigeria, where all are mourning the victims of the tragic bombings of a local newspaper's offices here and in the city of Kaduna. Innocent lives were lost to these terrible acts of murder. At the time of the blast, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe and I were commemorating the victims of the 2011 United Nations House bombing, which also took the innocent lives of primarily the UN's Nigerian staff.
I can't help but reflect on the juxtapositions life sometimes presents after experiencing this tragic event. It not only occurred while we were having a ceremony for our fallen UN colleagues, but during a mission to strengthen the Nigerian plan to reduce the 72,000 pediatric HIV cases born each year. To have such a senseless loss of life, in one brief moment, made me reflect on how fragile and precious life is. And it sharpens my resolve to ensure… more »
An Update From the Global Fund Board Meeting in Geneva
Posted by Eric Goosby / April 09, 2012
![An unidentified resident of Pamplona, Spain, holds a red symbol of the fight against AIDS during events for World Aids Day, Dec.1, 2011. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0409_aids_ribbon_m.jpg)
Recently, I met with my fellow Global Fund Board members in Geneva and I am buoyed by the reform that is happening at the Fund under the leadership of new General Manager Gabriel Jaramillo. As everyone knows, the United States has been pushing aggressively for reform, linking our historic pledge of $4 billion from FY 2011 -- 2013 to it. I am pleased to report that while we have been encouraged by the significant reforms the Fund has been pursuing over the past year, the pace of reform has now quickened -- meaning that the Fund will be able to save even more lives.
The Fund remains absolutely committed to ensuring the disbursement of approximately $10 billion in its current funding period, 2011-2013 -- $2 billion more than it disbursed between 2008 and 2010. This includes money for new,… more »
Celebrating International Women’s Day by Investing in Women and Girls
Posted by Eric Goosby and Melanne Verveer / March 14, 2012
![A social worker holds earrings in the form of AIDS-loops, the international symbols for solidarity with HIV-infected and AIDS patients, in hands. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0314_aids_social_worker_m.jpg)
As we observe Women's History Month throughout March, we celebrate the work pioneered by advocates, policymakers, and practitioners around the world to advance women's rights. Promoting the rights of women and addressing gender inequities and gender norms are essential steps to reducing HIV risk and increasing access to HIV prevention, care and treatment services -- for both women and men.
The Secretary's Office of Global Women's Issues (S/GWI) and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are committed to advancing the rights and health of women and girls around the world. Under the leadership of President Obama and Secretary Clinton, the United States has put… more »
On the Passing of Representative Donald Payne
Posted by Eric Goosby / March 06, 2012
![Representative Donald Payne, D-N.J., on Capitol Hill, January 5, 2011. Payne died Tuesday, March 6, 2012. He was 77. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0306_donald_payne_m.jpg)
The global health community lost one of its strongest champions today with the death of Representative Donald Payne. Rep. Payne was a tireless advocate for humanitarian support to developing countries, particularly in Africa. He served for 25 years in Congress and was a trailblazer for public health and human rights for people worldwide.
In 2003, Rep. Payne was an original author of the legislation to authorize the creation of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). As the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights, he remained a strong supporter of PEPFAR, and provided a vital voice in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking for the PEPFAR family to whom Rep. Payne gave so much, I offer my sincere… more »
President’s Budget Request Reflects Strong Commitment on Global AIDS
Posted by Eric Goosby / February 13, 2012
![PEPFAR-funded AIDS care unit, White River Junction, South Africa, Dec. 15, 2008. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2010_0219_pepfar_clinic_m.jpg)
Today, the Obama Administration issued the President's budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2013. It demonstrates that the United States remains fully committed to the fight against global AIDS, and will meet the President's ambitious targets for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention announced on World AIDS Day 2011. I am so proud that, even in a challenging budget environment with strict budget caps, the Administration has continued to make this work a priority.
This budget will enable PEPFAR to achieve the President's stated goals for the program, including on prevention and supporting 6 million people on treatment by the end of 2013. As we move towards creating an AIDS-free generation,… more »
Partnering With Business To Eliminate Pediatric AIDS by 2015
Posted by Eric Goosby / February 01, 2012
![A child lights candles in front of a painting that depicts a red ribbon, at an event to mark World AIDS Day in Katmandu, Nepal, Dec. 1, 2011. [AP File Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2012_0201_child_aids_m.jpg)
Last week, I was proud to participate in a significant moment in the global AIDS response. I stood with leaders of the private sector at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as they committed to join forces to reach an ambitious, yet achievable, goal -- ending pediatric AIDS by 2015.
The launch of two groundbreaking initiatives -- the Business Leadership Council and the Social Media Syndicate -- will marshal the power of the private sector, converging business acumen, technology, and other assets to support country-led efforts to prevent new infant infections and save mothers' lives.
This exceptional commitment by the private sector stems from the Global Plan towards the Elimination of New Pediatric Infections and Keeping Mothers Alive, launched last year by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and UNAIDS. The Plan's… more »
Launch of the Frontline Healthcare Workers Coalition
Posted by Eric Goosby / January 10, 2012
![Nurse takes blood samples to be sent away for testing in Pretoria, South Africa, Aug. 15, 2005. [AP]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2010_0527_saving_lives_m.jpg)
Frontline health workers are an essential component of health systems worldwide -- without them, there is no access to care for people living with HIV or anyone else. Yet in 2012, the World Health Organization estimates a shortage of at least one million frontline health workers worldwide, with Africa the region in greatest need. PEPFAR, in collaboration with partner countries, is pursuing a number of initiatives to respond.
Our efforts are being reinforced by many actors around the globe. A growing number of health organizations, recognizing the life-saving impact frontline health workers offer, are committed to employing innovative strategies to address the crisis. Tomorrow, 37 of these organizations from the public… more »
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