Ambassador's Speeches
Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Donald E. Booth HIV/AIDS Prevention Convention
Thursday, November 5, 2009. Lusaka.
All protocols observed
Thank you for inviting me to this Prevention Convention. This event has assembled experts from Zambia and beyond to discuss the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and to map the way forward on prevention efforts. Today is a call to action ― a call for commitment. Here, today, Zambia’s leaders can decide what their legacy will be in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Prevention is the most powerful weapon in the fight to eliminate HIV/AIDS. Prevention requires making the decision to protect your precious gift of life – a life that can be free from this terrible disease, a disease that makes you susceptible to other diseases that can become deadly because HIV has weakened your immune system.
Prevention is a sign of respect for the dignity of life — for your life and your loved ones’ lives.
And prevention is everyone’s job -- from teachers and parents to traditional and religious leaders; from employers and community leaders to members of Parliament and cabinet ministers; and yes, from ambassadors to presidents.
The American people have funded the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ― PEPFAR ― since 2004. Last year, PEPFAR was renewed for another five years. The second phase will focus ― must focus ― on prevention of HIV transmission. Zambia cannot treat its way out of this epidemic; Zambians must stop new infections. The American people stand ready to work with partners who are serious and committed to joining us in this effort.
Let me be clear: Strong national leadership on HIV prevention is essential. Each government is ultimately responsible for promoting the health of its population. Governments that embrace this responsibility and exhibit true leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS need not question the United States’ commitment to PEPFAR funding. The United States is committed to helping people and governments that help themselves. But U.S. funding is not infinite and no amount of funding can prevent AIDS if people are not willing to make the changes necessary to avoid the disease in the first place.
Zambia is positioned to take action that will have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on HIV prevention efforts. The country is currently drafting the 6th National Development Plan, the Health Strategic Plan and the HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan. These national development planning processes present an opportunity to focus on prevention. Giving HIV prevention the priority attention it deserves will help demonstrate the Zambian government’s commitment to this critical effort. Strong national leadership on HIV prevention is essential.
Today, one in every seven Zambian adults is HIV-positive. AIDS has created hundreds of thousands of orphans. This is a human tragedy for Zambia. Caring for the sick and the orphans comes at a huge cost, both financially and to Zambian society. Unless each and every Zambian puts prevention into practice, the numbers of orphans and persons requiring life-long care will continue to rise – the human tragedy will be further compounded.
Cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, permanent secretaries, district commissioners and other government officials -- PLEASE include HIV prevention messages in all your public remarks. Civic, traditional and religious leaders -- PLEASE do so as well. I cannot think of one area of daily life that has not been affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Every event, every speech, presents an opportunity to talk about prevention. But communication is not about what was said, it is about what is heard and understood.
Again, let’s be clear. The ways HIV is transmitted are well known: through unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive partner; from an HIV-positive mother to her unborn or breast-fed baby; and via contaminated blood. Thanks to PEPFAR and other interventions, the blood supply in Zambia is now virtually 100% HIV-free. In the last three years, the number of infant infections prevented has doubled and increased focus on PMTCT over the next few years should virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission as a source of new HIV infections. What has not/not declined enough is the number of new infections from sexual transmission. Although male circumcision can reduce HIV transmission, there is no medical procedure or drug that can STOP transmission via unprotected sex. Who will stop it if YOU don’t?
The messages about abstaining from sex, being faithful to a mutually faithful and uninfected partner or using a condom every time have not lowered the number of new infections per year enough to reverse the AIDS epidemic. Perhaps these messages have not had an impact because abstaining from sex, being faithful to one partner and consistently using condoms are considered too difficult to put into practice. But living with AIDS is even more difficult, more inconvenient and unfair to your other countrymen and women who must help care for you and care for your orphaned children. The HOW of prevention is clear. What will it take to adopt the healthy behaviors that can stop AIDS?
The great leaders — the ones history remembers — are the ones who unite their people in pursuit of a common cause. Just the other day, I read that President Zuma of South Africa said to his parliament and people that it is time to “confront denialism and the stigma attached to the disease.” He said, “All South Africans must know that they are at risk and must take informed decisions to reduce their vulnerability to infections. Three years ago, President Obama and his wife Michelle went as a couple for testing near his ancestral home in Kenya. He has urged other leaders to follow their example. Zambia’s leaders can further enhance their legacy by visibly and consistently championing the fight against HIV/AIDS. This means speaking frankly about multiple concurrent partnerships, male circumcision, low condom usage, gender-based violence, sexual abuse of children, and alcohol and substance abuse. It means acknowledging and assisting high-risk groups, like commercial sex workers and men who have sex with men, even when one does not condone their actions. Leaders throughout the world are now speaking openly. In doing so, they are removing associated stigmas and encouraging their citizenry to proactively champion prevention efforts.
But words alone are not enough. Resources must be committed. Action must be taken. The United States is prepared to invest further to support the prevention efforts of the Zambian people and government. But such investment must yield results.
I look forward to working with Zambia’s leaders as they embrace this opportunity to rally the Zambian people to prevent new HIV infections. Leading advocates for an AIDS-Free Generation are here with us today. I would like to thank in particular His Excellency former president Kaunda for lending his support, influence and vision to this crucial effort to make prevention work. He is a leader and true champion in the fight to eliminate HIV/AIDS.
Thank you again for inviting me to speak today. I began my remarks with some thoughts on what prevention is. I leave you with what prevention is not…
Prevention is not a one-time event. It requires constant vigilance and action.
Prevention is not passive. It is not always easy. But the reward for prevention is life itself.
Prevention is not someone else’s job. It is everyone’s job, from the rural school child to the president.
Most of all, prevention is not optional. Today is a call to action — a call to commitment. And so I ask everyone here: What will your legacy be in the fight against HIV and AIDS?
Thank you.