Former HHS Secretary Sullivan Urges Support for Project HOPE in Sub-Saharan Africa

In March of 2006, Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services 1989-1993, accompanied Project HOPE President and CEO John P. Howe, III, M.D. to Project HOPE’s programs in Sub-Saharan African nations.

Dr. Sullivan found a common theme of shortage reflected in many aspects of residents’ health, observing lack of personnel, lack of infrastructure and equipment and a general lack of goods and services—all of which influence the life expectancy and incidence of illness among the people.

Long-term challenges remain for Project HOPE and others to help these nations cultivate their health workers, appealing to international health authorities, our government and the private sector to assist in increasing and retaining practicing health professionals. Those who have trained in health professions need new opportunities for adequate pay, acquiring new skills and keeping the services they offer up-to-date. And residents of these countries need accessible, comprehensive services from health insurance to immunizations.

HIV/AIDS has a pervasive effect in this region, and the delegation took a close look at Project HOPE programs addressing the disease in three countries—Malawi, Mozambique, and Namibia. Dr. Sullivan witnessed how Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) created by the disease are taken in by relatives or supported through the mutual assistance of neighbors. Visiting participants of Project HOPE’s Village Health Banks, he noted how they are utilizing their skills to generate family income in ways that were not possible before.

Impressed by the difference Project HOPE’s programs are making today, Dr. Sullivan looks forward to a plethora of activities through which he believes Project HOPE can improve quality of life in these countries, through residents’ health and economically.

Please click here to help Project HOPE combat the human resources and supplies crises Dr. Sullivan saw firsthand in Sub-Saharan Africa. The need in this region is so great, and your gift makes a real difference.