Ambassador Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador Martinez at the Official Opening of the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Center Pharmacy Unit Ndola Central Hospital

Ndola
March 14, 2006

Provincial Health Director – Dr. Chandwa Ngambi

Provincial Clinical Care Specialist – Dr. Omega Chituwo

Ndola Central Hospital Management Board Chairman – Justice Lloyd Siame

Executive Director, Ndola Central Hospital – Dr. Welani Chilengwe

Director of Clinical Services – Dr. Charles Masase

Members of the Press

Distinguished Guests


The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a threat to the economic and social progress of Zambia. The United States is proud to be a partner with you to defeat this pandemic and build your future as a free and prosperous country.

Zambia is one of 15 focus countries under the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known at “PEPFAR”. Under this unprecedented assistance program, the U.S. government is providing US$15 billion over five years to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic around the world.

Zambia receives the fifth highest amount of the fifteen focus countries under PEPFAR. In 2004, Zambia received over US$ 87 million and in 2005 over US$132 million. In 2006, our assistance will be approximately $150 million to support care, treatment, and prevention activities in this country. Together with the commitment of the Zambian Government and the determination of the Zambian people, we can conquer this disease.

The Government of Zambia estimates that at least 200,000 citizens who are HIV positive will need anti-retroviral therapy to live longer, healthier and more productive lives. Great strides have been made with over 40,000 people now receiving these services, free of charge, nationwide.

The work at Ndola Central Hospital is an example of this success, with over 3000 clients receiving ART services through this HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Center. This center is a result of an excellent partnership with the Ndola Central Hospital Board and staff, the Government of Zambia and the U.S. Government.

At this center a client can receive the full continuum of care including:
• confidential counselling and testing with same day test results,
• treatment to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV,
• care and treatment for opportunistic infections, and
• anti-retroviral therapy – with life saving drugs dispensed through this renovated pharmacy we are opening today.

The U.S. Government support has included crucial renovations, provision of essential equipment, training of staff, and ongoing technical assistance. Today’s opening of the Pharmacy Unit is another example of the United States commitment to Zambia.

I would like to thank the Government of Zambia, the Central Board of Health, and the Ministry of Health for their leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Thanks also to our partners in this enterprise, the Hospital Board of Ndola Central Hospital, and the Zambian Prevention Care and Treatment Partnership, funded through USAID.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff at this Comprehensive Care Centre for your untiring dedication in providing this vital service to the people of the Copperbelt Province.

It is my pleasure to hereby declare the upgraded Pharmacy Unit officially open.