Embassy of the United States of America

Mbabane

FACT SHEET

Tel 404-2445           Fax 404-5846           Email lebonanr@state.gov           web <http://usembassy.state.gov/mbabane>

May 22, 2002

U.S. EMBASSY SUPPORTS SWAZILAND HOSPICE AT HOME, OTHER MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS

On Wednesday, May 22, U.S. Ambassador James D. McGee and Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati LaNgangaza, Patroness of Swaziland Hospice at Home, dedicated new facilities at the Swaziland Hospice at Home.  Construction of the facilities was paid for with a grant of U.S.$60,000 from the U.S. Government’s Humanitarian Assistance Program.

The facility is only one of several gifts that Hospice at Home has received from the Embassy:

· A U.S.$5,000 grant from the “U.S. Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Small Grants Program” has supported its HIV&AIDS intervention activities.

· A U.S.$10,000 grant from the mission’s Office of Public Diplomacy permitted Hospice to publish and distribute an invaluable how-to booklet on HIV/AIDS Home-Based Care:  A Guide for Caregivers.  Thanks to this grant, the booklet is available in both English and SiSwati.

· In July/August 2002 Hospice’s Director, Ms. Thulile Msane, will travel to the U.S. under the Mission’s auspices to participate in an International Visitor Program on the “Impact of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic”

It is noteworthy that American citizens have also lent their voluntary support to Hospice.  In 2001 the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania donated 1,200 “Comfort Packs” to Hospice for use by its patients.  Each pack contained a blanket, a sweater, a T-shirt, a towel and washcloth, bars of soap, socks, a tooth brush and toothpaste.  Hundreds of American citizens and organizations were involved in this activity:  St. Luke’s Hospital and its staff in Bethlehem, the Rotary Club of Bethlehem (which paid for shipping), and the Rotary Club of Malkerns (which managed logistics within the Kingdom). The gift was indicative of the concern and sympathy of many Americans about the AIDS disaster in southern Africa.

The Swaziland Hospice at Home is one of several Swazi institutions that have benefited from the Embassy’s Humanitarian Assistance Program:

· A grant of U.S.$50,000 defrayed the cost of a pediatric center at Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki.

· A grant of U.S.$41,000 permitted the Mbabane Government Hospital to renovate its outpatient clinic.

· The Piggs Peak Nazarene Clinic received a grant of U.S$50,000 to improve its facilities.

· A grant of U.S.$38,000 was used to provide electricity and telephone service to Silele and its clinic.

· Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital received a grant of U.S.$80,000 to renovate its emergency room and maternity wing.

· A grant of U.S.$15,000 permitted Guquka Clinic renovate its primary school and improve its telephone system.