|
“We are proud to collaborate with the people of Mexico to advance our shared goal of developing new and innovative strategies to fight the diseases which threaten our communities.” said U.S. Ambassador Antonio O. Garza, Jr.
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, March 7, 2006. - Visiting Ciudad Juárez to participate in a dedication ceremony for the new U.S. consular building, Ambassador Antonio O. Garza pledged more than $1 million in U.S. government support for four new initiatives that will bolster the efforts of our two governments, and non-governmental organizations in both countries, to address health challenges in Tijuana, Agua Prieta, Monterrey, and Ciudad Juarez.
These joint U.S. –Mexican health initiatives include support for advocacy and education programs for the persons living with tuberculosis and HIV in Ciudad Juarez; funding for the “Puentes de Esperanza” initiative in Tijuana, which focuses on combating multi-drug resistant tuberculosis strains; a grant to help Monterrey’s Instituto Nuevo Amanecer’s job training skills program for disabled young people; and a grant to enable Agua Prieta’s General Hospital buy emergency medical equipment.
“The United States has made the global fight against HIV/AIDS a major priority of its foreign policy. This is not only for humanitarian reasons, but because the spread of HIV threatens the prosperity, stability and development of nations all over the world,” said Garza.
“I would like to recognize especially Secretary Julio Frenk-Mora for the strong public commitment he has shown in the fight against HIV/AIDS, especially with respect to eliminating the stigma and discrimination that so often accompany it,” added Garza
Joining Ambassador Garza in the ceremony were Dr. Manuel Robles Linares, the Executive Director of the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Association and a partner for the initiative in Ciudad Juarez, and Ms. Donna Blair, the United States Consul General in Ciudad Juárez.
|
