PSI to double its HIV prevention programs

Sep 23 2009

PSI (Population Services International) announced two significant commitments today at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI): a doubling of its HIV prevention programs that target at-risk men and, in partnership with Procter & Gamble's Children's Safe Drinking Water program, a commitment that will expand the availability of safe drinking water to vulnerable populations across the globe. Together, these commitments help ensure the increased availability of life-saving health products and information for those living in some of the poorest and most at-risk places in the world.

As part of its HIV-prevention commitment, PSI, in collaboration with key partners, will launch a five-year initiative that will double its number of HIV prevention programs for men who have sex with men. Sex between men accounts for approximately 5 to 10 percent of HIV infections worldwide. The P&G partnership commitment at CGI will significantly expand the availability of safe drinking water for people living with AIDS. Together, PSI and P&G will launch new programs in at least two new countries, including Rwanda. All told, P&G and its partners are committing to providing at least 250 million liters of safe drinking water to this particularly vulnerable population.

"PSI is extremely proud to launch these initiatives at CGI with P&G and other partners. These commitments will greatly impact the health of thousands of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in the developing world for years to come," said Karl Hofmann, president and CEO of PSI.

Later in the day, Mr. Hofmann will accept one of P&G's "Live, Learn and Thrive Partnership Awards" on behalf of PSI at a VIP reception, in conjunction with the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative. The Awards will recognize PSI and other P&G partners for their help in improving the lives of more than 40 million children, by providing vaccines and safe drinking water to help those in need.

Also this week: PSI Ambassador Mandy Moore is a featured speaker at Conde Nast's World Savers Congress, spotlighting the organization's malaria prevention campaign; and PSI Senior Vice President and Chief Liaison Officer Sally Cowal is speaking at a multimedia newsmaker event hosted by United Press International on preventable water-related illnesses to discuss the scope of the water crisis in developing countries and potential solutions.