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Funding issues force closure of Bracelet for Hope sponsored HIV/AIDS clinic in Lesotho, South Africa

“I am more motivated than ever to open a new AIDS clinic in Lesotho that will be run by local experts supported by Bracelet of Hope. - Dr. Zajdlik 

Ottawa (04 July 2012) – The Tsepong HIV/AIDS clinic in Lesotho, South Africa has been officially closed, the staff laid off and the medical director’s contract ended. The result is 20,000 people living and dealing with HIV/AIDS will now receive minimal care at the outpatient department of the Motebang Hospital, where there is only one doctor.

The current recession resulted in the Canadians who were responsible for this clinic prematurely handing responsiblity for the clinic over to the country, which is extremely poor. As well, as a result of the recession, many rich governemnts have reneged on their pledges to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria.

The Tsepong clinic has been promoted and supported by Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik a physician specializing in HIV/AIDS in Guelph, Ontario. Through the campaign Bracelet of Hope, which she launched, Dr. Zajdlik and numerous volunteers have raised over $1 million for the Tsepong clinic, which was the first HIV/AIDS clinic in Lesotho.

“I am more motivated than ever to open a new AIDS clinic in Lesotho that will be run by local experts supported by Bracelet of Hope. We have the land and the people. We hope to get this clinic started in October. Everything is in place. What we need is greater financial support,” stressed Dr. Zajdlik.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) first became involved in the Bracelet of Hope Campaign in 2006 when it hosted its “Building Sisterhood Around the World” women’s conference. Participants to the conference were deeply moved by Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik. At its 2007 Convention, NUPGE delegates adopted a resolution to provide ongoing support to the Tsepong Clinic as well as projects in Colombia, the Philippines and to the Sisters in Spirit Initiative in Canada.

“When the National Union first became aware of the Bracelet of Hope Campaign and the Tsepong Clinic it supported, the clinic had 4,000 registered patients. As of its closing, it had over 20,000. This speaks volumes as to the worth of the clinic. I am encouraging all of our members, and all Canadians, to please support Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik in her courageous fight to reopen the clinic,” said National President James Clancy.

More information:

http://www.braceletofhope.ca/the-bracelet/

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE