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CNS Story:
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BUSH-PASADA Jul-14-2005 (340 words) With photos. xxxi
In Tanzania, first lady praises church-run AIDS treatment program
By Catholic News Service
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (CNS) -- U.S. first lady Laura Bush praised a church-run AIDS-treatment center in Tanzania, calling it "a good example of the tremendous efforts of faith-based organizations around the world."
While in Tanzania July 13 during a weeklong trip to Africa, Bush said Pastoral Activities and Services for People with AIDS, known as PASADA, was providing "life-saving work, life-changing work."
At least 11,000 patients are registered with PASADA; the program, operated by the Dar es Salaam Archdiocese, also supports 1,900 AIDS orphans.
"Many people of faith have made a commitment to help men and women who are living with HIV/AIDS. They are often the only people willing to go into situations that others might find too dangerous or too desperate," Bush said.
Speaking before an audience that included Anna Mkapa, wife of Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa, Bush said: "Here, people with HIV/AIDS can get the treatment they need to fight the disease. And they can also get the love and support they need to live a happy and full life."
Bush said in the past two years the United States provided $177 million to Tanzania to fund efforts to treat AIDS; PASADA was the recipient of some of that aid. She said U.S. funding has helped 4,400 Tanzanians receive antiretroviral treatment, nearly 43,000 mothers receive HIV transmission-prevention services and 12,000 orphans and vulnerable children receive care and support.
"We believe the best way to provide services is through organizations like PASADA that have deep ties to communities and can provide help person-to-person," Bush said.
PASADA began in 1992 with four or five HIV-positive people. In 1994, in a building owned by the archdiocese, it opened its first clinic with 150 HIV-positive clients. By 2004, PASADA had more than 70 full-time employees, 180 community volunteers and 16 dispensaries throughout the archdiocese.
PASADA receives funding from a variety of international organizations, including Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops' international relief and development agency.
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Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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