Remarks

Remarks by Ambassador Patricia A. Butenis: World AIDS Day 2006

Northern University of Bangladesh, Dhanmondi, Dhaka

December 2, 2006

SUBJECT:  Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise

Representatives from the Government of Bangladesh, Members of the Bangladesh AIDS Program and distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, As-salam-alaikum. 

Thank you Dr. Chowdhury for your kind introduction.  It is a pleasure for me to be here with you this afternoon.  I would like to extend a special thanks to the organizers and to all of you who have taken time from your busy schedules to participate in this special event.

I would like to congratulate the Government of Bangladesh and the non-governmental organizations present today for their tireless efforts combating HIV and AIDS in Bangladesh.

As we all know AIDS is a deadly disease and if left unchecked it can run rampant and destroy the very fabric of a society.  We have all seen the devastating effect that AIDS has had in Africa.  No one nation or people are immune to AIDS and only through education and the proper implementation of best practices will we be able to slow and, we hope, stop this deadly disease. 

Through the National AIDS and Sexually-Transmitted-Diseases program of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Government of Bangladesh has shown its’ commitment to stopping the spread of AIDS by providing resources for prevention, care and support, and advocacy.  We deeply appreciate the vision, determination and hard work demonstrated by the various Ministries and Staff represented here today and I personally applaud your heroic efforts.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2006 is:  “Accountability,” and this is conveyed through the slogan:  “Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise.”  Accountability is very critical as Bangladesh is in the process of setting national targets as called for in the Declaration of Commitment on HIV / AIDS, accepted by the UN General Assembly on June 2, 2006.  These targets will define the national response to HIV and AIDS over the next several years.  Working together we need to show accountability to set the targets necessary to attain universal access to care, treatment and support.  We must make all the necessary resources available in order to overcome this terrible pandemic.

The United States Government supports the HIV / AIDS program in Bangladesh through Family Health International.  Our collaboration with the people of Bangladesh is an outstanding example of a much wider - partnership of caring - between the Government of Bangladesh and the U.S. Government.

The U.S. Government is committed to helping people throughout the world, from all walks of life, to fight this terrible disease.   Many of you may ask why the U.S. Government is so involved in fighting HIV / AIDS in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world? 

First, the United States recognizes that HIV / AIDS takes young men and women in the prime of their lives, that it devastates families and turns children into orphans.  HIV / AIDS impedes and destroys  economic development and reaches across international boundaries.  The United States believes that civil society and government should be the vehicles that help people live their lives to the fullest.  By introducing programs aimed at reducing risky behavior we are helping people live long and productive lives and enabling them to secure a safe future for their children.

Second, HIV / AIDS is not just a health issue.  The epidemic tragically affects all aspects of society.  When HIV / AIDS destroys the health of individuals, it cripples agricultural production, it adversely impacts the educational system, it stagnates economic growth and undermines our optimism about the future.  Furthermore, HIV / AIDS presents a serious threat to regional and international security.  Nations weakened by the loss of their most productive citizens may lose the vitality needed to keep their nations moving on the road to progress and prosperity.  Nations have fallen prey to instability and stagnation because of the debilitating effects of this disease.  The American people know the suffering caused by HIV / AIDS and are committed to doing all they can to assist in this international struggle.

Third, HIV / AIDS will reach epidemic proportions in Bangladesh if the spread of the infection is not averted among injection drug users.  Part of our accountability is to ensure that effective prevention and education programs are developed and put in place to reach out to this most at risk population group.

Fourth, a key component of any program is accountability, and  national policies must be enacted that protect the victims of HIV / AIDS.  In countries where HIV / AIDS is more entrenched, we have seen women and children bear the brunt of this terrible disease from the loss of their husbands and fathers, the reduction in income and even the loss of their land and homes.  Policies and laws must be created to protect women and children from HIV and AIDS related issues.

Finally, it is important that we develop programs and policies that enhance compassion for people living with HIV and AIDS.  We must not marginalize nor stigmatize them.  Instead,  we must ensure that treatment and support services are accessible to everyone. I recall vividly my visit to a shelter run by Asha Alo in Chittagong, for AIDS/HIV sufferers and their families.  It was an emotional visit for me.  I was simultaneously moved by the courage of the members, the dedication of the staff and the urgency to do more.

The United States is proud to be making an active contribution to the prevention of HIV and AIDS in Bangladesh.

Thank you for your time and for inviting me to this seminar, and for your hard work.  I wish you continued success in your brave, compassionate efforts against this devastating disease.

 

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 88371500-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov