Ontario Hospitals And Partners Take First Step Towards Helping in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa
Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
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Monday, August 2, 2004
TORONTO – As the initial step in answering Stephen Lewis' challenge to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is leading a fact-finding mission to the Kingdom of Lesotho today to determine how health care providers in Ontario can help alleviate the suffering and prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.
"Ontario's health care providers recognize the seriousness of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, and are eager to help in whatever way we can to ease suffering and help prevent further spread of this devastating disease," said Hilary Short, President and CEO of the OHA. "We are heading to Lesotho today to build relationships and identify where we can begin to help, with the ultimate goal of twinning hospitals in Ontario and Lesotho," added Short.
This fact-finding mission is in direct response to a challenge issued to Ontario's hospitals last Autumn by Stephen Lewis, UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. Mr. Lewis urged hospitals in Ontario to play a leadership role in treating and preventing the further spread of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. The Kingdom of Lesotho was identified as an area of particular need.
"There is an identified lack of capacity in Lesotho to deal with the overwhelming number of people suffering from HIV/AIDS. That is a key area where Ontario hospitals and other health care providers can help, through sharing professional expertise," said Short.
The itinerary for the fact-finding mission includes meetings with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare for Lesotho, United Nations aid officials, the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and visits to two hospitals currently caring for patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Today's delegation includes Hilary Short, President and CEO of the OHA, Joan Lesmond, President of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and Director of Clinical Programs at the HIV/AIDS treatment hospice, Casey House, and Hume Martin, President and CEO of Rouge Valley Health System, one of Ontario's largest community hospitals.
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For further information:
Stefan Baranski, OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1305