US Pledges Continuous Support in Fight Against HIV/AIDS

{{U.S Ambassador to Rwanda, Donald W. Koran has said in a statement that the United States of America is committed to fighting against HIV/AIDS at the same time improving lives of Rwandans.}}

This comes before the commemoration of World AIDS Day scheduled to take place on December, 1st.

“We celebrate those lives saved and improved in Rwanda and recommit ourselves to the fight against HIV and AIDS” Donald noted.

Over the last 30 years, tremendous progress has been achieved through research and innovation in science—progress which has made the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS more effective, accessible, and affordable for communities around the world.

The Ambassador said that the U.S recognizes that because of these advances and the lessons learned, it is time to look ahead to the achievement of an AIDS-free generation.

“Evidenced by millions of lives saved, this progress is remarkable, but there is more to do.” He says

Due to the fact that bringing an end to HIV and AIDS is a shared responsibility, Donald noted that the USA will continue to work with Rwanda to increase efforts in the response, and everyone has a role to play

The United States, through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and in close partnership with the Government of Rwanda, is using recent scientific advances to implement more effective programs to provide HIV prevention, treatment, and care to millions of people worldwide, and in communities throughout Rwanda.

Eighty-eight percent of Rwanda’s HIV positive population requiring anti-retroviral treatment (ART) receives this critical lifesaving medication, and the United States through PEPFAR has provided support for over 67,700 of the 111,000 men, women and children on treatment this year.

Over the past year, PEPFAR has directly supported over 215,000 Rwandans with care and support programs, including nearly 60,000 orphans and vulnerable children.