Press Releases
Innovative U.S. Partnership with Zambian Tourism Companies will Fight HIV/AIDS
November 10, 2007. Lusaka
LIVINGSTONE – The U.S. Government today forged a unique, groundbreaking partnership with eight tourism companies to fight HIV/AIDS in Livingstone, a major, world-famous tourist destination that struggles with one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Zambia.
Representatives of Sun Hotels International, Kubu Crafts, Tongabezi Lodge, River Club, Bush Tracks, Wasawange Lodge, Jollyboys Backpackers Lodge, Sussi and Chuma, and Zambezi Nkuku joined U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Koplovsky signing a Statement of Collaboration that establishes a strong commitment to social responsibility in Zambia.
The Statement of Collaboration brings together corporate leaders committed to social responsibility to cooperate on bringing about a healthier workforce. The collaboration encourages public and private organizations to combine forces to develop practical and innovative solutions to fighting HIV/AIDS.
The United States provides HIV/AIDS-related funding and technical support to the tourism sector through President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and encourages matching resources from the private sector in Livingstone. With the signing of the Statement of Collaboration, the U.S. Government aims to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on the workforce, minimize loss of productivity among workers, support the livelihoods of individuals in the community, and sustain successful businesses, thereby contributing to the development of the country.
PEPFAR is the largest global health initiative directed at a single disease that any nation has ever undertaken. Since 2004, the U.S. Government has provided Zambia with more than $340 million to fight HIV/AIDS. This year the American people have offered an additional $216 million to tackle the disease. For more information about PEPFAR, please visit http://www.pepfar.gov.
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