I received a note this week from Nicole Mackinlay Hahn who travelled to Swaziland and Ghana with me last year. I’d been unable to accept an invitation from an old colleague in Washington D.C. to attend a ceremony welcoming the President of Ghana to the United States. Nicole was able to go in my place and send this lovely note and photos. To date, over half of the Global Fund grant disbursed in Ghana is supported by (RED) shoppers.
Hi Tamsin, I am truly grateful for the invitation to the State Arrival Ceremony for the President of Ghana, President Kafuor, which was followed by a State lunch hosted by Madame Secretary Rice. At the lunch there was a receiving line, where I was greeted by both President Kafuor and Secretary Rice. Our (RED) trip to Ghana in 2007 made this ceremony even more special for me. As the fife and drum corps played "Yankee Doodle", I could not help but hum the melody to "In Ghana" by Rocky Dawuni. I could see guests in traditional Ghanaian dress celebrating, reminding me of the spirit and shine of Ghana. I feel blessed to have visited such a democratic and beautiful country. I not only remember the patients’ stories from the fevers unit, the line at the pharmacy where the ARV's are distributed, St. Martins Lab, and the Wisdom Association’s pineapple farm ... I also have the voice of clinic nurse Ellen Sam in my head, saying: "The Global Fund is a lifeline, honestly people are clinging to it for life ...So please, thank you (RED)!" All of this was clear in my mind as President Kafuor spoke on the White House lawn. And I was able to share these experiences at my table during the State lunch. It was an honor to see an African President formally welcomed to the United States. I am inspired and thankful, and will to continue to do more work in Africa and support (RED). See attached photos! Warmest,
Nicole
Photo credit: Nicole Mackinlay Hahn
More photos of the State Arrival Ceremony for President Kafuor of Ghana at the White House...
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3 comments:
Global fund is not only making strides in hiv and aids in Africa particulary in Ghana.
The Fund i believe is helping to reduce malaria incidence in Ghana.
There are statistics that accede to the increase in Insecticides Treated Bednet Usage in the UNICEF's MUTIPLE CLUSTER SURVEY conducted in Ghana and other Afican Countries.My President and millions of African are greatful to all persons who ''drop a penny into the pot of life''
Thanks so much, Tamsin, for posting this wonderful first-hand report.
It sounds like it was a very moving experience for those in attendence, especially from Ghana.Please keep posting us these sorts of updates which seem to get lost in the plethora of daily news.
Take very good care, dear hearts.
Blessings abound.
ALWAYS (RED) AT HEART, debbie :)
www.mpwn-uganda.org
Very effective product. I love it.
Bathmate
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