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