By Katie Coester
The Foundation hosted a luncheon on Tuesday with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, inviting Members of Parliament from all over the globe to discuss the elimination of pediatric AIDS.
MPs from countries as diverse as Japan and Saudi Arabia, to high HIV burden countries like Mozambique and Zimbabwe, joined us for a lively discussion about elimination as well as what they are doing in their own countries to work on HIV/AIDS issues through the parliament.
Japanese MP Ryuuhei Kawada
MP from Japan Ryuuhei Kawada shared his incredibly personal story of living with HIV, the stigma he has faced because of it, and the motivation it gives him to work on these issues.
Additionally, Lediana Mafuru Mng’ong’o, an MP from Tanzania, spoke passionately about the Tanzanian Parliamentary AIDS Coalition (TAPAC).
She explained how it started small with only two members, but has grown to a powerhouse coalition that members are clamoring to join. TAPAC has helped to gain political will for HIV/AIDS issues in Tanzania over the past 10 years, which has led to a permanent parliamentary committee on HIV/AIDS.
The Foundation looks forward to continuing work with MPs from all over the globe, as well as members of Congress in the U.S., toward the elimination of pediatric AIDS.
