THE PRESIDENT'S MALARIA INITIATIVE IN RWANDA

UNCLAS KIGALI 000328 SIPDIS AIDAC SIPDIS HHS FOR WSTEIGER DEPT PASS TO AID FOR RGREENE DEPT PASS TO AID FOR AF/EPS SDRIANO DEPT PASS TO AID FOR AFR/SD HOPE SUKIN DEPT PASS TO AID FOR GH/HIDN/ID IRENE KOEK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID RW SUBJECT: THE PRESIDENT'S MALARIA INITIATIVE IN RWANDA REF: STATE 51160 ¶1. Ambassador Michael Arietti and USAID Mission Director Kevin Mullally met on April 4 with Government of Rwanda Health Minister Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuliryayo to inquire as to the government's interest in taking part in the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) and Rwanda's governmental and non-governmental capacity to implement the initiative. ¶2. Amb. Arietti and Mullally informed Minister Ntawukuliryayo that Rwanda has been nominated as one of four possible new countries for the PMI program in FY 2007. The Minister enthusiastically accepted the proposal for Rwanda to participate in the initiative and noted that malaria is the number one killer of children in the country. Malaria is the primary cause of mortality in the country, and responsible for over 40 percent of all deaths in health facilities. Malaria-related mortality has increased dramatically over the last ten years for a number of reasons, most notably the advent of drug resistance. ¶3. The Minister was extremely pleased by the prospect of malaria prevention and treatment intervention, noting that crucial elements will include eliminating the vector, increasing public awareness of the disease, and improving preventive behavior, including increased use of insecticide- treated bed nets. The significant anticipated resources from the President's Malaria Initiative, an estimated USD 17- 23 million for Rwanda, will have great potential to radically reduce malaria's impact on the Rwandan population. Minister Ntawukuliryayo indicated that his ministry will work closely with the USG in coordinating this effort with other ongoing health programs. Ministry of Health policy strives for a cohesive, fully integrated and strong health system. ¶4. Ambassador Arietti presented the Minister with a one-page non-paper on the PMI (reftel),with a caution to keep the information "close hold" until we receive confirmation of acceptance and the announcement of Rwanda as a new recipient of the PMI. The Minister agreed to coordinate any announcement with the Embassy. Post notes the coming visit of Rwandan President Paul Kagame to the White House in late April as an opportunity for further exchange on this important initiative. ¶5. Mission looks forward to the announcement as well, and to coordinating next steps with Washington. Telcon with Richard Greene, USAID Health Development Officer, on April 3 to discuss initial planning for Rwanda's participation in the PMI program was extremely useful, and we anticipate further discussions as we plan for the rapid assessment team in mid-May. ARIETTI