Press Releases
U.S. Ambassador Distributes Unique Dolls to HIV and AIDS Orphans and Vulnerable Children
December 6, 2007. Lusaka
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Bright smiles lit up Chikumbuso Community Center in Ng’ombe as U.S. Ambassador Carmen Martinez distributed dolls donated by a U.S. company to 150 orphans and vulnerable children, ahead of the Christmas season. The generous donation of dolls demonstrated the power of public-private partnerships in bringing comfort to children and protecting their basic right to play.
Mindful of the harmful effects of HIV and AIDS on children, Ambassador Martinez last fall made a heartfelt request to visiting officials from U.S. toy-maker Hasbro Inc. to create a special doll that Zambian children could identify with a doll more easily. The Ambassador suggested a doll that looked like Zambian girls. After discussing the matter with Karen Davis, vice president of community relations at Hasbro, the simple request grew into a partnership that led to a “Sip ’n Slurp” doll named “Baby Alive.” Baby Alive not only looks like the baby sister of any Zambian youngster, she also comes with her own set of diapers and feeding bottle.
More than 20,000 dolls and other toys will be distributed to Zambian children through Hasbro’s partnership with RAPIDS (Reaching HIV and AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support), a consortium of six U.S. and local non-governmental organizations led by World Vision, and supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) with funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). RAPIDS aids more than 220,000 orphans and vulnerable children through 15,000 volunteer caregivers.
Encouraging sustained action to fight HIV and AIDS in Zambia, Ambassador Martinez said: “When businesses, governments, and communities become partners to improve the lives of children – the nation is bound to prosper and shine. Today’s toy donation is a reflection of our compassion and we hope these children understand that they are truly loved, cared for, and appreciated.”
AIDS orphans account for two-thirds of the 1.2 million orphans in Zambia. Often deprived of basic needs like food and shelter, many are exposed to abuse and violence, exploitation and discrimination. Others, if they are lucky, find refuge with their grandparents or other relatives, who themselves are often stretched far beyond their means.
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief 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 $556 million to fight HIV and AIDS. For more information about PEPFAR, please visit http://www.pepfar.gov.
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