"It’s very important for people in our country to understand that millions now live, who would not have. It’s in our national interest to help these governments, and this government, deal with the pandemic, which 15 years ago was destroying countries."
Windhoek, Namibia — “A country that helped start PEPFAR. It’s very important for people in our country to understand that millions now live, who would not have. It’s in our national interest to help these governments, and this government, deal with the pandemic, which 15 years ago was destroying countries. Progress has been made. A lot of this resulted from the Namibian government’s willingness to spend money, and good leadership. It’s important for the American people to know however, that our help is still needed. That if we were to walk away now from PEPFAR, millions would suffer.
“Today we went to a clinic with babies who were born to moms that had HIV, but were HIV-free. And it was so heartwarming, so touching, to see little human lives that are now able to live a healthy life and it is important to keep this effort alive. And so we’re thrilled to be here in your beautiful country. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, and thank you for your leadership and your willingness to speak up – particularly the young men – that they have a responsibility to act like responsible men. Young men have a responsibility to get tested for HIV. When you’re young, you don’t think you can get sick, and yet HIV prevalence among young men all across the continent of Africa is beginning to rise, and it needs to be stopped now. The good news is, this government understands it, and the First Lady understands it, and is willing to speak about it.”
