Ambassador's Speech

U.S. EMBASSY-SPONSORED CONFERENCE ON HIV/AIDS

AMBASSADOR JEANINE E. JACKSON
AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER – DECEMBER 7, 2006

The international theme for World AIDS Day this year is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise."
The United States is doing just that. This year, the U.S. Government is focusing on the “Promise of Partnerships." 

Here in Burkina Faso, our partnerships include AFAFSI-BF, Africare, and AIDSETI, in Ouagadougou. And, in Bobo-Dioulasso, Sida ka ta  and Association Espoir pour Demain.
World AIDS Day is also a time to remember the more than 25 million people who have died from AIDS.

We can all make a difference by recommitting ourselves to compassionate action.
Over 38 million people are currently living with HIV.Many of us here today translate this statistic into a personal story, someone whose life has been touched by the tragedy of HIV/AIDS.

Success is possible only where there is leadership and commitment by the governmental and non-governmental sectors in host nations.

In this regard, I want to salute the government of Burkina Faso for the actions that it has taken to control the spread of HIV/AIDS.  While many governments often ignore the seriousness of HIV/AIDS, Burkina’s government has taken an activist role.

Faith-based, community-based and humanitarian organizations play a major role in keeping society informed and healthier.The devoted efforts of those of you in that field have helped achieve results in HIV/AIDS testing, treatment and prevention.

Ultimately, however, HIV/AIDS will not be defeated by treatment or care programs. 
Only prevention holds the promise of reversing the tide of HIV infections.
It is for that reason that the U.S. supports the most diverse and comprehensive range of prevention strategies of any international partner.

Every day the U.S Government and our partners learn new best practices that benefit the entire world in the battle against this disease.
The U.S. will continue to share and use these lessons to address the ongoing emergency while building capacity for sustainability.

Today’s topic asks all of you to consider whether there is hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Burkina Faso. In English, we say, “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Let this be our motto here in Burkina Faso as well in the fight against HIV/AIDS