press releases

Senior U.S. Government Official Honors Mining Companies For Hiv/Aids Prevention Efforts

Kitwe
October 19, 2006

KITWE. Ambassador Mark Dybul, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, and Dr. Kent Hill, USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health, on Thursday, October 19, visited the Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe. Ambassador Dybul met with Mopani Mines CEO Tim Henderson, Konkola Copper Mines CEO C.V. Krishnan, and First Quantum Mines CEO Philip Pasqual to highlight the U.S. Government’s support for Zambian mining companies in their fight against HIV/AIDS. The mining companies, with support from the American people through the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), are collaborating to expand efforts that promote HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment services for miners, their families, and affected communities. Ambassador Dybul and Dr. Hill observed the daily safety talks, incorporating HIV/AIDS prevention messages, which are given to miners before they begin their shifts.

This public-private alliance is comprised of four mining companies, representing an innovative opportunity for the U.S. to support the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework through direct partnership with Zambia’s private sector. The mining sector’s HIV/AIDS programs reach over 329,300 individuals, and these programs are able to address multiple HIV/AIDS needs and challenges through clinical and community services.

The mining companies have pledged $4 million for HIV prevention over the next three years. The United States plans to provide matching resources in the amount of $1.5 Million. This unique partnership supports mobile, door-to-door, and clinic-based counseling and testing; the integration of programs to support the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; care and support for orphans and vulnerable children and people living with HIV/AIDS in workplace programs; and strengthening of ART services and laboratories.


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