State department's 'DipNote' blog publishes pieces surrounding World AIDS Day

Dec 4 2012

In recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1, the U.S. Department of State's "DipNote" blog published several posts examining HIV/AIDS around the world. The following summarize those posts.

• Monjur Ahmed and Linda Quamar, "HIV Prevention in Bangladesh": The authors, who work with USAID/Bangladesh, discuss USAID's HIV prevention program in the country, called "Modhumita (meaning 'dear friend')." They note, "Through a network of 54 health centers, USAID provides HIV-prevention services that reach almost 30 percent of all high-risk Bangladeshis, including injecting drug users; male, female, and transgender sex workers and their clients; migrants; and HIV-positive people" (11/30).
• Makila James, "Using Research To Shape An Effective Response To HIV/AIDS In Swaziland": James, U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Swaziland, notes that 31 percent of the adult population of Swaziland is living with HIV, and she writes, "Without a doubt, achieving an AIDS-free generation represents a serious challenge in the Kingdom of Swaziland, but one that we are committed to addressing with our many partners in the country" (12/1).
• Megan Petersen, "Turning The Tide Against AIDS In Zimbabwe": Petersen, PEPFAR coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe, describes how the PEPFAR team "continues to demonstrate our nation's concern for the needs of the Zimbabwean people and our commitment to Zimbabwe's national HIV/AIDS response." She writes, "In the face of [some major] challenges, the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health, a variety of NGO partners and the Zimbabwe PEPFAR program continue to make excellent strides in responding to the HIV epidemic and strengthening the health system" (11/30).
• David Shear, "Observing World AIDS Day All Year Round": Shear, who serves as U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, writes, "PEPFAR continues to be the cornerstone of the U.S. Mission's health diplomacy effort to strengthen diplomatic relations with the host government and the Vietnamese people since formal relations resumed in 1995." He notes, "In Vietnam, our public diplomacy activities take place throughout the year, with an aim to break barriers in stigma and discrimination against those most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS" (12/1).