posted June 13, 2000 06:01 AM
Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Pathfinder International, Population
Action International and the U.S. Committee for the United Nations Population Fund invite you to a policy forum: "Addressing the Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Connection of Family Planning and HIV/AIDS Prevention in Saving Lives"
Tuesday, June 20, 2000 from 10am-11:30am
House Capitol Room 09
Featured Speakers include:
*Dr. Henry Foster, Chairman, U.S. Committee for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Senior Advisor to the President on Teen Pregnancy
*Mpule Kwelagobe, 1999 Miss Universe and UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador
*Elizabeth Lule, Regional Vice President for Sub Saharan Africa, Pathfinder International
*Lucy Atkin, Director, Margaret Sanger Center International, and Vice President of International Programs, Planned Parenthood of New York City
*Terri Bartlett, Vice President of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Population Action International
While less than one percent of Americans are infected with the virus that causes AIDS, 15% of adults in Malawi are. A baby born in Malawi today can expect to live to be only 36 years old--that is less than half the U.S. life expectancy. Worse, the child is likely to spend most of its life as an orphan, since, according to the World Bank, within five years, 70,000 children will be losing parents to AIDS every year. In much of sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is similar.
Fortunately, America is taking a leading role in addressing this crisis through the work of the U.S. Agency for International Development and its support for the United Nations Population Fund. Come hear about successful U.S.-supported family planning programs in Malawi, Botswana and Uganda, which offer HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, prenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery equipment, trained birth attendants, and contraceptives, the first line of defense against the spread of the disease.
Please RSVP to Kristall Chisley at 202/557-3444.
posted June 13, 2000 06:01 AM