AMBASSADOR SPEECHES

Remarks by Ambassador Carmen Martinez at the White House Conference on African Health Initiatives

April 04, 2008, Taj Pamodzi Hotel. Lusaka

 

Good morning!  I believe I speak for everyone here when I say we are honored by the participation of the esteemed First Lady of Zambia, Maureen Mwanawasa.  In addition, I wish to welcome His Excellency, the Honorable Brian Chituwo, Minister of Health and Bishop Joshua Banda, Chairman of the National Aids Council.

 

We are also pleased to have with us from Washington, D.C., Mr. Jay Hein, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and Mr. Franklin Moore, the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa at the U.S. Agency for International Development.  I welcome all of our distinguished guests and look forward to their wisdom and insights over the course of the day.

 

The government and the people of America recognize that Faith and community-based organizations have extensive social networks and infrastructure, tremendous resources and vital trust in communities around the globe.  The work of these organizations plays a significant role in building healthy communities in Africa.

 

Religious and community organizations can mobilize grassroots volunteers and provide access to important leaders who play a large role in shaping the opinions, attitudes and behaviors of the people in their community.  These organizations know the needs of their community in a way that other organizations do not, and can call upon their communities as partners in development.  As locally and faith-based organizations grow and expand, they build sustainable, healthy communities.

 

As many of you have heard me say, very publicly and very often, the job of the U.S. Mission in Zambia is to put ourselves out of the assistance business.  The work of your organizations is key to building a future in which Zambia will not be dependent on foreign assistance.

 

Today’s conference honors your efforts even as we seek to enrich our partnerships with you and to enhance your organizations’ capabilities to do the work that you feel called to do.  Our government’s great resources alone cannot resolve the most difficult challenges that people face.  Renewing hope, instilling confidence, and conveying personal strength and empathy often require a human face, which is what your organizations provide.

 

We are proud to support many faith-based and community organizations through our health programming in Zambia, and we look forward to expanding our partnerships in the future.  Thank you for the work you are doing and for your commitment to serving those who are in great need.