USAID/Zambia::USAID, STANBIC AND BARCLAYS

Senior U.S. Government Official honors mining companies for their efforts to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS

U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Dr. Mark Dybul traveled to the Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe to meet with key Mining Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Ambassador Dybul met with Tim Henderson, CEO of Mopani Mines, C.V. Krishnan, CEO for Konkola Copper Mines, and Philip Pasqual, CEO of First Quantum Mines to pay tribute to the U.S. government partnership with Zambian mining companies and support their fight against HIV/AIDS.

The mining companies, with support from the American people and the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are collaborating to expand efforts to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment services to miners, their families, and outreach communities. Ambassador Dybul had the opportunity to see how HIV/AIDS prevention messages are incorporated into the daily safety talks given to miners before they go on their shifts.

The public-private alliance is comprised of four mining companies. This represents an exciting and innovative opportunity for the U.S. to support the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework through a direct partnership with Zambia’s private sector. The mining sector reaches over 329,300 individuals and is able to address multiple HIV/AIDS needs and challenges through clinical and community services.

The mining companies have pledged to spend $4.5 million on HIV and AIDS prevention over three years. The United States plans to provide matching resources in the amount of $1.5 Million. This unique partnership supports mobile, door-to-door, and clinic-based counseling and testing; the integration of programs to support the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS; care and support for orphans and vulnerable children and people living with HIV/AIDS in workplace programs; and strengthening of ART services and laboratories.