United States Mission Geneva

“Protecting health, saving lives, millions at a time,” captures both the possibility and the responsibility inherent in the pursuit of better health, whether here in our own country or in communities around the world.

As part of the United States’ Global Health Initiative (GHI), up to 20 countries will receive technical and management resources that will help them quickly implement innovative health solutions. The first eight countries have been chosen and work has begun.

“USAID is proud to work with the Partnership for Supply Chain Management to help improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS in countries most severely impacted by the epidemic,” said Susan Brems, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID. “We congratulate the Partnership on this most deserved honor and award.”

New technologies alone won’t be a silver bullet for development; we also need to ensure that our implementation, distribution, and communication networks with partner countries are strategically coordinated at all levels. But science, technology, and innovation can help us leapfrog development problems that can otherwise take generations to tackle.

A gel that may be able to reduce the risk of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) offers new hope and direction for HIV prevention, according to the United States global AIDS coordinator. A study of 889 women in Durban, South Africa, has shown that a microbicide gel containing an antiretroviral drug can reduce the risk of contracting the virus that causes AIDS.

In light of the International AIDS Society conference being held in Vienna this week, many people have raised questions about the Obama Administration’s commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The amount of money spent on HIV/AIDS cannot be the measure of success. The right measures are lives saved and lengthened.

The Partnership Framework provides a five-year, joint strategic plan for cooperation by the Government of Vietnam, the U.S. Government, and other stakeholders to support a strategic and collaborative response to HIV, while supporting health services for people living with HIV/AIDS. In doing so, it also contributes to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) global goals for prevention, care, and treatment.

Since the first cases were reported in 1981, HIV ― the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) ― has become one of the world’s most serious health and development challenges. More than 25 million people have died of AIDS, and another 33.4 million now live with HIV/AIDS.

A newly-released study in the July 21st issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) saved an estimated $323,343,256 from 2005 to 2008 through the use of generic antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). This significant cost savings contributed to PEPFAR’s ability to dramatically improve access to antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions. Through September 2009, PEPFAR directly supported treatment for more than 2.4 million adults and children.