U.S. Encourages Faith- and Community-Based Organizations to Forge Strong Partnerships to Fight Poverty, Disease

LUSAKA -- A White House Conference on African Health Initiatives today brought together public and private sector leaders, including First Lady of Zambia Maureen Mwanawasa, to discuss the role of faith-and community-based organizations to ensure the success of initiatives like the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI).

The conference led by Jay Hein, director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI), highlighted partnership opportunities and innovative models that place faith-based and other local organizations at the center of the fight against poverty, disease and other ills in Africa. Mr. Hein was joined by U.S. Ambassador Carmen Martinez and Deputy Chief of Mission Mike Koplovsky.

"Faith-based and community organizations are vital to engaging Africa's great needs and unleashing even greater promise," said Mr. Hein. "This delegation will help us see firsthand the President's vision in action and build stronger partnerships to drive effective local solutions."

In February, President Bush traveled to several countries in Africa to review the significant progress in efforts to increase economic development and fight HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other treatable diseases, as a result of the United States robust programs in these areas. During his visit, President Bush highlighted the importance of faith-based and community organizations to help the people of Africa deal with the health crises and development issues.

In 2008, the U.S. Government through PEPFAR provided Zambia $269 million to fight HIV/ AIDS and $15 million from PMI to help control malaria.

For more information on the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/.

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