Mr. Minister of Health and Social affairs
Members of the Government
Mr. President of CNLS
Madame President of STOP SIDA
Ladies and gentlemen

Allow me first of all to present my best wishes to you on the occasion of the holy holiday Maouloud and, by extension, to all the Mauritanian people.  I express the hope to see Mauritania take the road of progress and development.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

A few months ago our Embassy signed an agreement with the NGO “STOP SIDA” related to the financing to open a counseling, education, and training center to address AIDS.  Thankfully, we are reunited here today for its inauguration. The cost to equip and operate this center is $ 100 000. My country aims, through this action, to bring its support to the efforts made by Mauritania to stop the progression of AIDS and also to help those NGOs working on this issue.  Because the rate of infection is still relatively low in Mauritania we are urged to multiply our efforts to stop the advance of this malady.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

No one can ignore the political, social, and economic problems caused by the spread of AIDS throughout the world.  This is manifested by the havoc in human lives and the prejudices that AIDS engenders in the economic fabric of nations.  The available statistics are eloquent on this question. 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The United States has played an important role in the fight against AIDS, through the strategy announced by President Bush, to help victims of this disease. Since the creation of the Global Fund the American people have generously bestowed nearly a billion-and- a-half dollars.  This amount represents a third of what all countries in the world have given.  In the case of Mauritania, the American people will grant more aid this year in the fight against AIDS.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Finally, I could not end without thanking the members of the Government for giving generously a part of their time. I thank also those persons near and far who have contributed to the realization of this project.  I want to particularly thank the Ministry of Health and “STOP SIDA.”   I wish you all success.

Joseph LeBaron
United States Ambassador in Mauritania
Arafat, April 18, 2006.