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Today, the President will meet Martha Chilufya who established the MututaMemorial Center in Zambia. This center partners with Emergency Plan andfaith-based caregivers to serve more than 150 patients. Mrs. Bush and JennaBush visited the center in June to listen to a choir of orphans who receivecare at the center.
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-- Last summer, volunteers from Calvary United Methodist Church traveledto Namibia to serve at a home for AIDS orphans. The President will also meetwith a man from McLean Bible Church who is part of a team that is leaving forZambia tomorrow.
America Continues To Lead The World In Fighting HIV/AIDS
The United States is on track to exceed the President's commitment of $15billion over five years for PEPFAR to support treatment for two millionpeople, prevention of seven million new infections, and care for 10 millionpeople. PEPFAR is the largest international health initiative ever dedicatedto a single disease.
On World AIDS Day 2007, President Bush again calls on Congress toreauthorize PEPFAR to continue to support those served by the program, and tofurther expand efforts to build on the program's success. With fullimplementation of the "Partnership Compact" model proposed by the President,maintenance of the successful grassroots collaborations with faith-basedgroups, and a continued emphasis on preventing infection through behavioralchanges, live saving progress will continue. If Congress appropriates thefunds, the next phase of the American people's commitment to those sufferingfrom HIV/AIDS will support:
PEPFAR is supporting the leadership of local communities. PEPFAR workswith partners in host nations to support local capacity and to sustainprevention, treatment, and care efforts long after the initial five years ofthe Emergency Plan. Over 80 percent of PEPFAR partners are indigenousorganizations, including faith-and community-based organizations.
PEPFAR draws upon the capabilities of faith-and community-basedorganizations to contribute to an effective, multi-sectoral response to theHIV/AIDS pandemic. These organizations are uniquely positioned to promoteHIV/AIDS stigma reduction and prevention messages, as well as to providecounseling and testing, home care, clinical services, and antiretroviraltreatment. These attributes make their partnership a valuable asset in thefight against HIV/AIDS.
The United States supports one of the most diverse prevention portfoliosof any international partner. In addition to the balanced, evidenced-basedABC (Abstain, Be faithful, and the correct and consistent use of Condoms)approach, the U.S. supports programs that address mother-to-childtransmission, blood safety and safe medical injections, male circumcision,injecting drug users, HIV-discordant couples, alcohol abuse, and other keyissues, including gender-specific programs.
The United States leads the world in its support of the Global Fund toFi