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United States Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson Applauds Effective Public-Private Partnership Advancing in HIV/AIDS Care in Tanzania
United States Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson Applauds Effective Public-Private Partnership Advancing in HIV/AIDS Care in Tanzania
Published 11-23-04
Submitted by Abbott
"Under President Bush's leadership, the United States is investing unprecedented time, energy and resources to the fight against AIDS," said Secretary Thompson. "But this crisis is far too great for any one government to solve, and we need the help of the American business community. I applaud Abbott for their innovative partnership with the Government of Tanzania that is helping to provide modern hospitals and labs, trained doctors and nurses, and effective health care administration to the people of Africa."
Abbott and the Government of Tanzania have worked together to fight HIV/AIDS since 2000, when Abbott's Step Forward program was launched to assist orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. Since then, their partnership expanded with the introduction of the Tanzania Care program in 2002.
Tanzania Care is a multiyear initiative that is focused on modernizing health care facilities and systems, and improving services and access to care for people living with HIV/AIDS throughout Tanzania. To date, Abbott and the Abbott Fund have invested more than $16 million in Tanzania Care. Axios, an organization dedicated to improving health care in developing countries, is serving as the implementing partner for Tanzania Care.
"Secretary Thompson has been a tireless advocate for public-private partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and we're especially pleased that he is visiting the Tanzania Care program today," said Cathy Babington, president of the Abbott Fund. "Working in close partnership with the Government of Tanzania, in two short years we have implemented a targeted and effective approach that has already resulted in greater access to testing and counseling for patients, as well as training for health care professionals."
Key components and results to date of the Tanzania Care program include:
An estimated 1.6 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. Like many countries in Africa, Tanzania is facing a significant challenge in responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Health care institutions throughout Tanzania have been especially strained by this crisis, with access to basic health services, HIV counseling and treatment nearly unattainable due to a shortage of specialized staff, scarce resources, and inadequate infrastructure and facilities. The Tanzanian government has exhibited a strong commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and is currently launching a HIV/AIDS treatment program.
"The modernization of Muhimbili National Hospital and health centers throughout the country will allow us to provide better care for Tanzanians living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses," said Ms. Anna M. Abdallah, Tanzania's Minister of Health. "Through shared expertise, resources and commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, the Government's partnership with Abbott is already making a difference."
About HHS
The department of Health and Human Services is pursuing the fight against HIV/AIDS on several fronts. For more information or to learn more about HIV/AIDS testing and research, visit www.AIDSinfo.nih.gov.
About Abbott
Through Abbott's Global Care Initiatives, Abbott and the Abbott Fund are working to fight HIV/AIDS in the developing world, where the pandemic has hit the hardest and where the need for assistance is greatest. While Tanzania Care addresses the infrastructure issue directly, Abbott Access to HIV Care provides broadened access to Abbott's HIV tests and therapies in 69 countries, including all of Africa. Abbott's Determine HIV Testing Donation Program is donating rapid HIV tests free of charge to qualified programs working to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. In addition, the Step Forward program provides support to programs serving orphans and vulnerable children in Burkina Faso, India, Romania and Tanzania.
Abbott has been a leader in HIV/AIDS research since the early years of the epidemic. In 1985, the company developed the first licensed test to detect HIV antibodies in the blood and remains a leader in HIV diagnostics. Abbott retroviral and hepatitis tests are used to screen more than half of the world's donated blood supply. Abbott also has developed two protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 55,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
For more information on the Tanzania Care program, visit www.tanzaniacare.org. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.
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About Abbott and the Abbott Fund
The Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951. The Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information, visit www.abbottfund.org.
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.
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