Our first day is starting with a meeting with Ambassador Arietti, our U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda. He’s giving a good overview of the progress that has been made here since the genocide ended in 1994. It is amazing to think of the progress that this country has made, not only in education and health care, but also in healing the societal scars from the genocide.

Couple of points that the Ambassador made that should especially interest ONE members. PEPFAR — our global AIDS program — is making an enormous contribution to Rwanda. He said that the U.S. contributes around $120 million through PEPFAR to Rwanda. As a result, 50,000 people are now on HIV medicines.

The Ambassador pointed out that we have used the PEPFAR program to help build medical capacity in Rwanda. There are 441 rural clinics in this country. Many didn’t have power or water or staff. The United Stats has been a strong partner with Rwanda and, through PEPFAR funding, America has been able to improve medical services. Doctor training, nurse training, and medicines are at the core of the U.S. involvement.

Later today, we’re going to see how Rwandan products are opening doors to trade and opportunity for people (hint — think Starbucks).

-Tom Gavin, ONE’s Communications Director