Capitol Hill Luncheon will Honor the Efforts of His Excellency Festus Mogae,
President of the Republic of Botswana in the War on HIV/AIDS

For immediate release—Washington, DC—Mr. Maurice Tempelsman and HAI will host a luncheon on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 to honor President Festus Mogae for his dedication to combating HIV and AIDS in Botswana. Senior Senators and Congressman will join in this tribute as well as representatives from the National Institutes of Health and leaders from national foundations and private industry.

Botswana is one of the countries designated to receive funds under the new Global AIDS Bill that President Bush recently signed into law. Over one third of the adult population in the southern African nation of Botswana are infected—the highest occurrence of HIV infection in the world. However, due to a concerted government effort spearheaded by President Mogae, Botswana has moved from a country devastated by the AIDS epidemic to one that is now serving as a model for a comprehensive and sustainable campaign against HIV and AIDS in Africa and around the world.

The government of Botswana is waging a self-proclaimed war against the disease, a stark contrast to the responses of many other African nations. An example of Botswana’s unique action is "MASA" - the national antiretroviral therapy program that provides life-saving drugs on a national scale. President Mogae has insisted that all sectors of the government be involved in the war on AIDS. The President founded and presides over every meeting of the National AIDS Council and without exception, his cabinet members begin every speech with a message about AIDS. "President Mogae has shown true courage and dignity in the face of adversity," said Max Essex, Chair of HAI.

In 1996 the Botswana–HAI Partnership for HIV Research and Education was established. The Partnership is a collaborative research and training initiative between the government and HAI. President Mogae has commented that this partnership "stands as an exemplary model of progress that can be accomplished through committed international collaboration." In 2001, President Mogae officially opened the Botswana-HAI National HIV Reference Laboratory. The laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility of a caliber and scale currently unmatched in Africa. The laboratory signifies the direction of Botswana, and other African nations, towards becoming self-sufficient in conducting HIV research, as well as developing the scientific and health care capacity necessary to effectively prevent the spread of HIV, and to improve the quality of life of those living with HIV and AIDS. Mr. Maurice Tempelsman, Chair of HAI’s International Advisory Council said "President Mogae has shown tireless dedication in helping Botswana move decisively against the epidemic. He has refused to accept the fate bestowed upon his nation and has placed AIDS in the center of Botswana’s health and development agenda."

HAI is delighted to have this opportunity to honor President Mogae, an inspiring African leader, in our nation’s capital. HAI is dedicated to promoting research, education, and leadership to end the AIDS epidemic in Africa, Asia, and other resource-scarce settings.

Contact: HAI
Bridín Byrne, 617-432-6106