US Consul General Affirms Commitment to Helping Those with HIV/AIDS

Consul General Katherine Dhanani interacts with students while going round the painting exhibition
 “Universal Access and Human Rights” organized by Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) in
selected colleges and schools to generate awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Hyderabad|India|December'2010: On the occasion of World AIDS Day U.S. Consul General Hyderabad Katherine Dhanani met with members of the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) at Sneha Kiran, CHAI Community Care Centre, Devar Yamjal, Medchal, December 1, 2010.

The Consul General’s visit highlighted the commitment of the United States to contribute to HIV/AIDS prevention and the care of those with the illness. CHAI, which receives funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) works towards creating awareness and capacity building for universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care, a fundamental right.

During her visit, the U.S. Consul visited the Snehakiran Community Care Center’s 40-bed facility which provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and support services. Afterwards she helped distribute prizes to winners of a poster competition with the theme of “Universal Access and Human Rights.” CHAI organized various competitions in selected colleges and schools to generate awareness of HIV/AIDS.

In her remarks at the site the Consul General highlighted the U.S. commitment to helping those with HIV/AIDS. She said, “More than 4 million people in low- and middle-income countries are on HIV treatment, and the American people support more than half of these individuals through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR programs have allowed more than 240,000 babies to be born free of HIV and millions more have benefitted from HIV prevention and care programs.”