U.S. Envoy Launches Final Leg of Historic Year-long AIDS Walk For Life

December 01, 2005

NEW DELHI -- The last leg of a year-long, 6,800 kilometer trek through India to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS was launched today by U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Blake, showing strong U.S. support for joint American and Indian efforts to fight the disease in India.

The AIDS Walk for Life – a journey of more than 30 walkers across India – was organized by American NGO Project Concern International (PCI) and supported by American and Indian government, businesses and organizations. The walkers began their journey from New Delhi to circumnavigate the country on World AIDS Day a year ago. Organizers estimate they have educated 2 million people in 300 cities, towns and villages about HIV/AIDS prevention during the march that finishes in the capital today.

Mr. Blake helped send off the walkers on the first day of their journey exactly one year ago – December 1, 2004. Today he waved them off to the home stretch of their march, remarking: “These are India’s foot soldiers in the battle to defeat HIV/AIDS. Today we celebrate their amazing feat and how much can be  accomplished in the fight to stop the spread of the disease one step at a time.”

He continued: “These dedicated walkers have touched people from every level of society in this massive, diverse country with a singular mission: to save lives and stop suffering by raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.” Their critical message was well timed. Already there are more than 5.1 million Indians infected with the virus, and the epidemic is shifting from urban to rural areas, and affecting women and children, he explained. “Americans and Indians walk together in the struggle against HIV/AIDS. At the highest levels of both governments, the countries have pledged to wage the battle together,” he said.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was a national partner in the grassroots campaign. Financial support for the walk was provided by a wide array of corporations, including substantial financial support from General Electric and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.

President Bush has made the fight against HIV/AIDS in India a priority. In 2005, the U.S. provided $30 million (Rs. 136.8 crores) for AIDS control in India, and resources are increasing. USAID and other U.S. Government agencies implement prevention, care and treatment efforts as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The Emergency Plan is a $15 billion health initiative, the largest international health initiative of its kind.