Remarks by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of State for Special Programmes The Honorable Ali Mohamed at the Corporate Launch of the Partnership for an HIV-Free Generation

December 5, 2008

 Ladies and Gentleman,

Distinguished guests

It is my distinct pleasure to be with you today.  I would like to offer my appreciation to the U.S. Government for the kind invitation to join this distinguished gathering, and for the opportunity to reflect on what this new program means for Kenya, and especially for Kenyan youth.

The Republic of Kenya and the United States of America have long enjoyed a close partnership - one built on mutual respect and a common commitment to moving each of our nations forward - and this is especially true in the response to HIV. 

As you have already heard this morning, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief - or PEPFAR - has contributed massively to support Kenya's efforts to prevent new HIV infections, and to treat and care for those already living with and affected by HIV.  And we are extremely grateful for this ongoing assistance - not only in terms of financial resources but also technical expertise.   

Over the past decades, the Government of Kenya has exhibited strong and sustained leadership in expanding HIV services in the country.  As an example of our nation's profound commitment to combating HIV, my ministry - the Ministry of State for Special Programmes - was established in the Office of the President and it directly oversees the National AIDS Control Council, which coordinates the country's HIV response.

Through our efforts, and those of many partners, Kenya has made great gains against the HIV epidemic.  In the past five years alone:

• The number of Kenyans receiving life-prolonging anti-retroviral drugs has increased more than 20-fold;
• The number of orphans and vulnerable children getting the help and hope they need for building a better future has more than trebled; and
• We have nearly reached universal access to HIV testing and counseling among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic - enabling them to learn their status and, if found to be HIV-positive, to receive drugs that help prevent onward transmission to their babies.

These are exceptional achievements, and we should all be proud of the progress we have made - not just in terms of fact and figures but the individuals, families and communities these numbers represent.  And, yet, the work is far from over.

In this context, the Partnership for an HIV-Free Generation provides an extraordinary opportunity to help consolidate many of these gains, as well as to expand and enhance our efforts.  In particular, the Partnership will sharpen our focus around two critical priorities for Kenya's future, and for the country's response to the HIV epidemic: stemming the tide of new infections and empowering Kenyan youth.

First, with respect to preventing new infections.  For those now accessing treatment and care, HIV has been fundamentally transformed from a disease of death to one that can be managed with proper diagnosis, attention, and care.  However, despite this progress, we clearly cannot treat our way out of this epidemic.  Rather, just as we continue to reach those who still lack HIV care and treatment, we must find innovative ways to accelerate and reinvigorate prevention programs to turn off the tap of new infections.

Second, in terms of empowering Kenyan youth.  Kenya is a young country and our youth are our future.  Therefore, we must do all that we can to ensure this future - their future - is one free of HIV.  The Partnership provides a clear call to action, and an action plan, for helping us all to reach this ambitious - but I believe achievable - goal of a generation without HIV.  

The Government of Kenya is pleased to be a principal stakeholder in this initiative from the outset.  We are also pleased that, in addition to PEPFAR, such an iconic and influential group of U.S. and global private sector partners have chosen to join this initiative, and to launch their efforts in Kenya.  We look forward to working with you, to maximizing synergies between our government and your companies, and we strongly encourage Kenyan companies, large and small, and from all sectors to follow this lead and come aboard.

In closing, we once again have much to be proud of in our response to HIV, but also much ground left to cover.  We warmly welcome the Partnership for an HIV-Free Generation to Kenya and we are confident that its contribution - really our collective contribution - to empowering young people, to engaging new partners, to integrating innovative tools and ideas, and to delivering results will be critical in Kenya's continued quest to turn the tide of AIDS.

Thank you.