Lois Quam joins GGMS project for World AIDS Day

Lois Quam, Executive Director of the Global Health Initiative, joined FHI 360's Ghar Ghar Maa Swasthya (GGMS), or Healthy Homes, project for a World AIDS Day commemoration event on December 1, 2011 in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

The US Government's strategy for unifying efforts in global health, the Global Health Initiative (GHI), has selected Nepal as one of its eight focus, or GHI Plus, countries. Ms. Quam's visit was organized by FHI 360, in conjunction with the Saath-Saath Project, which works to expand health services, including family planning and HIV prevention. Saath-Saath contributed to organizing World AIDS Day events throughout Nepal. Ms. Quam also visited a integrated health-service site and co-located drop-in center operated by the program.

Ms. Quam spoke highly of Nepal's efforts to control and eradicate the AIDS virus. "Every year on December 1st, World AIDS Day, we are reminded of the enormity of the HIV pandemic and of all the incredible work the U.S. Government and our partners are doing to fight this horrible epidemic...It is clear from my visit that Nepal is dedicated to taking ownership of their health programs, fighting HIV/AIDS, and saving mothers and children," she said.

To view Ms. Quam's full remarks, please click here.

The day began with a rally through the old town of Bhaktapur. Dignitaries from the local government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) joined Ms. Quam in giving remarks during the event. Later, the Society for Women’s Awareness (SWAN) performed a street drama for over 200 people about HIV prevention advocating for correct and consistent condom use. There were also a number of NGOs with tables offering HIV/AIDS materials and free condoms.

FHI 360's partner under GGMS, Nepal CRS Company, conducted behavior change communication activities among audience members using edu-tainment games.

Posted December 2011

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