President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

Ambassador Randall L. Tobias
United States Global AIDS Coordinator

Remarks on Release of PEPFAR Second Annual Report
U.S. Department of State

February 8, 2006

Madame Secretary, thank you for your comments, and even more, for your steadfast support for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Let me echo the Secretary in honoring the people who bring hope to places where this pandemic has sown hopelessness. This document is not just another government report, but the latest chapter in a story. The heroes of the story are ordinary people who, working together, are accomplishing something truly extraordinary.  

The dedicated men and women of the U.S. Government, working in our host nations and here at home, are the leaders on one side of this partnering venture.  But they understand that the fight against this pandemic, if it is to be effective and sustainable, must truly be led by the people and governments of our host nations. 

That partnership involves not just meeting the needs of the people we seek to help, but working with them to grow their capacity for the future. That’s the kind of partnering leadership that our U.S. Government teams have brought to this work, and our nation can be very proud of them.

Of course, there are no partnerships without willing partners. One of the most exciting developments today is the growing number of people from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean who are stepping up to the challenge of HIV/AIDS. These leaders serve in government, or in nongovernmental organizations, or are simply grassroots leaders recognized by their communities. Many are living with the virus themselves, and thus bring a unique and essential perspective. Many are women, overcoming significant obstacles to help build a better life for other women – and for children, and for men. 

These leaders in our host nations are making vital contributions, and we are proud to work alongside them.

One of those leaders is the young man pictured on the front cover of the report, Nkonzo (en-KON-zo).  He lives in the Soweto township in South Africa.  Through his participation in a PEPFAR-supported program known as “Men as Partners,” he came to see his responsibility as a man to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in his sphere of influence. 

He’s become a volunteer peer educator with the organization, and also started a youth group at his church, talking to men of his generation about embracing behaviors that will keep them and their loved ones safe. He’s supporting an HIV-positive family member. And he’s serving as a role model to his little brother, whom you see with him in the photo, helping to create a better future for those who come after him. You might say that he too is taking action today, while laying a foundation for tomorrow.

Nkonzo (en-KON-zo) is just one leader among millions in the story of the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS.  Through the President’s Emergency Plan, the American people are partners with him, and with families, communities, and nations that are reclaiming their future.

Thank you very much.