African First Ladies Health Summit Video

US Doctors for Africa successfully concluded the 2nd-African First Ladies Health Summit in the USA

Government representatives and leaders associated with international nonprofit organizations, business and medical research convened in Los Angeles Tuesday and Wednesday, April 2nd-3rd, 2013 at the second African First Ladies Health Summit to expand on their efforts to improve the life prospects of women and children on the continent.

The visiting delegations at the conference, held at InterContinental Hotel in Century City, included first ladies, second ladies and government representatives from many countries – Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo, Guinea, Congo-Brazzaville, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia and Angola among them. International agencies such as the United Nations Office for Partnerships and the African Union Commission to the United States took part.

The 2013 summit, and the inaugural event in 2009, were coordinated by the U.S. Doctors for Africa, founded by Ted Alemayhu, a humanitarian organization that helps expand access to medical care for diseases and other health conditions on the African continent.

Alemayhu opened the conference. Among the other conference speakers were Congresswomen Karen Bass and Maxine Waters, Dr. Keith Black, chair and professor of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Department of Neurosurgery, Annette Richardson, senior advisor at the UN Office for Partnerships and Dr. Ndola Prata, medical director of VSI Venture Strategies Innovations, a California-based nonprofit that provides health services to women in developing countries.

The conferees discussed health care infrastructure and technology, trends in health services and communications and — because economic development promotes health — business and investment opportunities. Rep. Bass discussed economic development when she told the summit about her work to extend legislation that promotes trade between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries.

"As an African-American I believe it is my responsibility to fight on behalf of the African continent," Bass said. "Yes, we need to continue the humanitarian aid, but there is a new, commercial dynamic happening. That's why I am focusing on the re-authorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA is one issue where Democrats and Republicans come together. We have formed a bipartisan group and I want us to re-authorize it now, not wait until 2015."

The African First Ladies and U.S. Doctors for Africa are partners in the United Nations' "Every Woman Every Child" campaign, designed to save the lives of 16 million women and children at risk for health reasons in developing countries. They campaign, spearheaded by the UN secretary-general also aims to improve the health of millions more.

The stakes, said Maria da Luz Dai Guebuza, the First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique, are major in Africa.

"Of all the maternal deaths in the world," she told the summit, "over 90 percent occur in developing countries and over half of those occur on the African continent, where about 20 percent of children don't live to their fifth birthday. It's a tragedy that millions of children are orphaned and cannot enjoy the love of a mother."

The UN's Richardson said that her office sought to leverage the business partnerships, management and leadership skills with innovative delivery systems to achieve the "Every Woman" mandate.

"Our office is an advocate for cross sector participation with the goal to make achievable progress for the [UN] secretary general's initiative," she said. "There's a big push evident in many countries to create solutions to the most pressing challenges; preventing the transmission of AIDS and ensuring clean water and energy."

US Doctors for Africa appoints the King of Swaziland as Honorary Chairman

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) is please to announce the appointment of His Majesty, King Mswati III as its Honorary Chairman. The appointment was made during USDFA's Founder and Chairman, Ted Alemayhu's brief mission to Swaziland on Sep. 2nd-6th, 2012.

His Majesty, King Mswati III was pleased to receive the Certificate of Appointment stated that he will continue to work hard in providing quality healthcare to his people, particularly to women and children of his nation.

King Mswati III will hold the Honorary Chairmanship for 2-years term.

USDFA's Special Tribute to the late Prime Minister of Ethiopia

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi ruled the nation of Ethiopia for over two-decades. Prior to his passing just a few days ago, (Aug. 20nd, 2012), Mr. Meles was noted as one of the most credited and respected leaders on the Continent of Africa who has been on the fore-front in making "Access to Health-Care" as a TOP priority for his nation.

As a direct result of his effective leadership, Ethiopia's effort in reducing maternal mortality rate has been exceptional! Additionally, the country has trained over 30,000 Extension Healthcare Workers as well as investing in thousands of "Health Posts" and Clinics across rural-Ethiopia providing life saving services to women and children of the nation.

For that exceptional effort and encouraging progress, US Doctors for Africa is proud to present to the Government of Ethiopia with the Prestigious US Doctors for Africa Global Health Leadership Award Certificate in Honor of the Late Prime Minister.

USDFA to host the "2nd" African First Ladies Health Summit.

US Doctors for Africa in a strategic partnership with African-Synergy, a membership of 35 African First Ladies is preparing to host the "2nd" African First Ladies Health Summit and...Business Round Table. April 2013 is the selected month for the summit.

The first-ever, African First Ladies Health Summit was held in 2009 here in Los Angeles, California where 26 African Nations were in Attendance, including 18 First Ladies of the continent (http://www.usdfa.org/index.cfm?views=photogallery)

The "2nd" and highly anticipated summit is expected to bring over 35 African First Ladies and their country's Health & Finance Ministers. All interested parties and stake holders on the continent of Africa are encouraged to contact us for further details and possible partnership opportunity. Please send your inquiry via info@africanfirstladiessummit.org

USDFA has shipped a 40' container of medical supplies and equipment to Ethiopia:

On June 16th, 2012, USDFA shipped a 40' container of supplies to Ethiopia. The estimated $400,000 worth of supplies will arrive in Ethiopia on July 27th, 2012. USDFA's new partner and local hospital, Sr. Aklesia Memorial Hospital which is located in the city of Debre-Zeyit is the recipient of the donated goods. USDFA plans to send more medical supplies and equipment to Ethiopia and other African nations in the coming months and years.

East Africa Famine and how you could help!

The UN's World Food Program has started airlifting supplies of emergency food into the Somali capital Mogadishu, as relief and fundraising efforts continued for millions of people affected by the looming hunger crisis in drought-hit areas of East Africa.

At an emergency meeting held at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome on Monday, WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran warned the international community the problem could become a wider catastrophe unless immediate action is taken. "The drought has swept the Horn of Africa where more than 11 million people are in need of food assistance," she said. "We are particularly worried about Somalia right now and it is vital that we reach those at the epicentre of the famine with food assistance."

The United Nations says the developing crisis is the largest famine in 60 years. Nearly 12 million people are thought to be at risk of food insecurity in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea and Djibouti. Ethiopians constitute 4.56 million of the current total food insecure populations in the region. According to UNICEF, 2.23 million children in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya are estimated to be acutely malnourished. And nearly 720,000 children are at risk of death without urgent assistance.

You can help save lives! Please contact the UN World Food Program with your support! (www.wfp.org)

USDFA Sends $300000 Worth of Med-Equipment to Ethiopia

Sunday, August 22, 2010

US Doctors for Africa, a California based NGO, announced that it has shipped nearly $300,000 worth of medical equipment to Ethiopia.

The cargo, which also contains medical supplies, is intended to furnish a new hospital under construction in the Oromo region of Ethiopia.

According to USDFA’s Founder and CEO Ted Alemayhu, the material is being delivered through the local health authorities. “Members of the Oromo regional government officials have expressed their advance gratitude to USDFA for the vital support in providing the supplies to the hospital,” Mr. Alemayhu told Tadias. “The facility currently being built would provide some vital healthcare services to over 350,000 people.”

Mr. Alemayhu said USDFA mobilizes American healthcare professionals to engage in service in Africa, and also plans to send volunteers to the area on a regular basis. “Besides sending the medical equipments and supplies, we plan to send medical personnel to the region for short term missions year round,” he said.

USDFA to launch domestic health care initiative:

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) plans to launch Domestic Community Health Centers across inter-cities of the United States.

Inspired by the current health reform discussion and the need for community based health-care centers designed to provide preventive care and treatment to those with no medical insurance, USDFA is planning to launch a series of Community Health Centers across the country; …the first of which to be built in the South Central part of Los Angeles, California in early 2010.

USDFA is currently in discussion with some of its key strategic partners that would contribute a great deal of resources to materialize the proposed initiative. The community health center would provide basic health care services which would include primary care, prevention programs, HIV testing and counseling, flue shots, as well as basic care services to seniors.

For more information on this initiative or for partnership request, please contact us at info@usdfa.org

USDFA Honored President of Tanzania

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) honored The President of The Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Jakaya M. Kikwete on May 20th, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Kikwete is known by most as one of most respected and forward thinking leaders in Africa. As President of The Republic of Tanzania and as a former head of the African Union, Mr. Kikwete played a leading role in improving access to health care in Tanzania as well as through out the African Continent.

USDFA in partnership with The Los Angeles World Affairs Council honored President Kikwete on the evening of May 20th for his tireless effort in fighting poverty and for his creative approach in providing access to health care to the people of Tanzania.

USDFA named First Lady of Cameroon as its Honorary President

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) named Madam Chantal BIYA, First Lady of The Republic of Cameroon as its first Honorary President of the organization. The announcement was made by the Founder and Executive Chairman of USDFA, Mr. Ted Alemayhu, following a successful and first-ever African First Ladies health-summit held on April 20th-21st, 2009. The announcement was made during an evening gala event held in Beverly Hills, California honoring the 15 First Ladies of Africa who attended the health-summit.

First Lady BIYA is the founding president of African Synergy, a membership of 26 African First Ladies, a non-governmental organisation comprising First Ladies from Africa and other continents who accept to adhere to its statute, natural or legal persons of goodwill and scientists who contribute to the achievement of the goals and objectives of AFRICAN SYNERGY, including former First Ladies of Africa and from other continents, on their request.

Madam BIYA is also the current Goodwill Ambassador for UNISCO, a position Her Excellency carry out most effectively.

African First Ladies Tackle Health, Women's Issues at Los Angeles Summit

First ladies from Africa met in Los Angeles where they have been discussing women's health and education, AIDS and others challenges facing their continent. The meeting convened by the groups African Synergy and U.S. Doctors for Africa drew on Hollywood star power to promote its message.  

They include the first ladies of Angola, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia. First ladies from 15 nations had planned to attend the health summit, with representatives from another six African countries, including South Africa.
 

Maria Shriver

The first lady of California, Maria Shriver, wife of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, was there to greet them.

The first ladies have spent two days meeting with representatives of non-governmental organizations, companies that do business in Africa and development groups to discuss health care and issues affecting women.

There were celebrities on hand, including some with some knowledge of Africa. Danny Glover has been there many times in his role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations children's and development programs. Actress Sharon Stone recently went to Uganda to see the drilling of new wells. The wells provide clean water for drinking, sanitation and food preparation, something that is crucial to fight the spread of disease. She spoke at a news conference last week in advance of the meeting.

"The clean water exists right below the surface of the ground," said Sharon Stone. "And we have the opportunity to create it, to drill the well, to give the water, to make the irrigation system so that there is food. We have the opportunity to give the toilets instead of the pit latrine. We have the opportunity to stop the cholera and death and dying."

Joely Fisher

Television star Joely Fisher is honorary ambassador for the non-profit organization Save the Children, and she visited Mozambique last year. She says the group is working to help girls orphaned by AIDS, who are now in many cases the main support for their families.

"Trying to put in wells of better clean water for them, trying to open up schools all over the country," said Joely Fisher. "And they love the school. They are so excited they sang about their pencils and their books. And to empower them as women so that the same thing doesn't happen to this generation."

The African First Ladies Health Summit was organized by the groups African Synergy and U.S. Doctors for Africa. U.S. Doctors for Africa founder Ted Alemayhu, an immigrant from Ethiopia, says he hopes the meeting will reengage Americans and others in African development and health issues.

Ted Alemayhu

"People are not paying too much attention any more because of the global economy, a number of other things," said Ted Alemayhu. "Even with that challenge, we still have to bring the issue of health care that Africa is suffering from on the global scale."

Jean Stephane Biatcha of Cameroon is executive director of the organization African Synergy Against AIDS and Suffering, which was formed by 22 African first ladies. He says they hope to enlist help from Hollywood stars, corporate executives and development specialists in meeting the challenges of their countries.

Jean Stephane Biatcha

"I am sure that after these two days of meetings, people will know more about what they do and we will surely see people more interested in one or two projects that they intend to carry out," said Jean Stephane Biatcha. "And maybe they will go back with something concrete."

One Hollywood actress, Amy Brenneman, admits she knows little about Africa but says she hopes to learn.

Amy Brenneman

"I feel like I'm a real student, especially with African issues," said Amy Brenneman. "I work with organizations that are concerned about the well-being of women and girls here in the U.S. and different places, but I am really a student when it comes to Africa, so I'm just really thrilled to be here and learn."

The newly appointed U.S. ambassador at large for Global Women's Issues, Melanne Verveer, pledged the support of the Obama administration in combating HIV-AIDS, malaria and other infectious diseases, and addressing issues such as maternal health care.

Ted Alemayhu of U.S. Doctors for Africa says he hopes to watch newscasts several years from now without hearing about millions of Africans dying from preventable diseases, as they do now.  

USDFA Honors The Ruler of Dubai:

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been awarded the US Doctors for Africa Founder Award for Global Cause.

The award was received on behalf of Shaikh Mohammad by Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, Chargé d'affaires at the UAE embassy in Washington, in a ceremony that was attended by over 15 African First Ladies and Sarah Brown, wife of the Prime Minister of United Kingdom as well as CEOs of international corporations and Hollywood stars.

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA), a non-profit organisation, presented the special Award to Shaikh Mohammad in appreciation of his continued commitment in improving the lives of millions of people in Africa through education and access to health care.

Accepting the Award on behalf of Shaikh Mohammad, Al Shamsi delivered a special message from the Vice President, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the developing world, particularly the continent of Africa in regards to the challenges in access to health care and education.

Al Shamsi said the award is testimony to Shaikh Mohammad’s charitable contributions, which are a model to be emulated.

He highlighted Shaikh Mohammad’s charitable initiatives such as Dubai Cares, a humanitarian initiative that seeks to provide education to children in impoverished parts of the world, and Noor Dubai, which aims to provide treatment for eye disease and blindness for over one million people around the world.

Shaikh Mohammad’s initiatives stem from his belief that investing in the future of any society is an investment in the international community as a whole.

As of April 2008, Dubai Cares was Dubai's contribution to the UN Millennium Development Goals to provide primary education to every child by 2015 and was the largest foundation in the world devoted to improving primary education in developing countries. The goal is to educate one million children in poor countries.

AFRICAN FIRST LADIES’ NGO TO HOLD FIRST-EVER SUMMIT IN U.S.

For more information, please visit - http://leadershipforhealth.org
or contact us by Telephone: 866-663-2613
or via E-mail: leadershipsummit@usdfa.org

USDFA to launch a new program in Senegal:

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) have entered into a strategic partnership with the African America Islamic Institute (AAII) that has been working in partnership with the government of Senegal, UNICEF, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1988 providing vital health services to the people of Senegal.

The partnership is based upon the shared belief that health care is a basic human right and that a healthy population is essential for the development of any nation. The very first manifestation of this significant partnership is USDFA providing its Mobile Clinic to AAII in order to provide medical services to rural communities. The Mobile Clinic, which will be administered and maintained by AAII's Shifa-al-Asqam Socio-Medical Center in Medina-Baye, is fully equipped and includes a small laboratory and access to a satellite communication system. Since its formation in 1988, AAII has advocated for accessible health care for rural communities. . USDFA's Mobile Clinic Project addresses the need for access to health care of millions of people living throughout sub-Sahara African small towns and villages. While the primary mission of USDFA's Mobile Clinic Project is to provide vaccination against preventable diseases, AAII's existing partnerships and collaborations with UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, the Senegalese Ministry of Health and AmeriCares allow Shifa al-Asqam Socio-Medical Center's rural outreach to expand the Mobile Clinic's focus to include maternal and child health, Malaria and chronic diseases.

For more information about the partnership, please click here: http://aaii.info/?page_id=7

African Synergy against AIDS and Suffering" (African First Ladies' NGO) forms a strategic partnership with "US Doctors for Africa" (USDFA)

The strategic partnership would allow enhancing advocacy, and bringing additional medical expertise, knowledge and resources in order to help advance the First Ladies efforts to create an effective and sustainable complementary approach in the fight against all types of scourges plaguing Africa's development, in particular HIV/AIDS and Poverty.

African Synergy against AIDS and Suffering (AFRICAN SYNERGY) is a non-profit, non governmental organization that is recognized under the laws of all 22 member countries, with the following strategic objectives:

US Doctors For Africa (USDFA) is a humanitarian organization committed to increasing access to medical care for diseases and conditions affecting the people of Africa. By mobilizing and distributing medical manpower, mobile clinics, supplies, and equipment to medical institutions throughout the continent of Africa. USDFA is dedicated to providing medical and preventative healthcare and capacity-building to regions of Africa without available medical services.

USDFA will mobilize volunteers and other resources from the United States and strategically distribute these resources in regions where they are most needed, in accordance with AFRICAN SYNERGY's recommendations.

USDFA and AFRICAN SYNERGY share the common belief that healthcare is a basic human right, and recognize that a healthy population is essential for growth, development, and prosperity in every society.

Because the quality of care depends on understanding the cultures and contexts in which it is provided, in compliance with their respective mandates, USDFA and AFRICAN SYNERGY will design and implement each response in concert with local needs and expertise, alert to regional circumstances and aware of ethnic, religious, cultural and/or national sensitivities.

USDFA and AFRICAN SYNERGY has formed this strategic partnership in line with their common aim to create strong, strategic partnerships with NGOs, medical institutions, Governments, International Organizations and all individual or corporate bodies of good will operating in African countries in order to effectively and efficiently mobilize and deliver needed resources to areas in which they operate.

In April 2009, the first ever "African First Ladies Health Summit" will take place in Los Angeles, California, in order to draw additional awareness and support to the First Ladies social and humanitarian initiatives in Africa. The focus will be on the threat of HIV/AIDS on Children in Africa. This will be the first of many conferences scheduled on an annual base hosted by US Doctors For Africa.
http://www.synergiesafricaines.org

USDFA donates Three Thousand (3000) eye glasses to a Uganda NGO partner

US Doctors For Africa (USDFA) provided 3000 eye glasses to its Uganda NGO partner. Outreach to Africa (OTA) is a non for profit organization with a core mission to empower young lives to become productive members of society through educational, health care, social and economic development projects. The donated eye glasses would be distributed to young patients under the care of OTA's medical staff as well as to the hundreds of orphans the organization is providing care for.

USDFA formed a strategic link with Outreach to Africa over five years ago in order to provide volunteer medical personnel, as well as medical equipments and supplies. In July 08', USDFA plans to send its volunteer Doctors and Nurses to OTA's medical center for a 2-3 month period.

USDFA and R&B Super-Star Usher Raymond joined efforts in Louisiana

US Doctors For Africa (USDFA) in partnership with Usher's New Look Foundation plans to launch Mobile Clinic to New Orleans in order to provide health care services to people affected by the impact of hurricane Katrina/Rita.

The mobile clinic approach uses committed and qualified personnel to provide preventive and palliative care directly to needy and underserved Gulf Coast communities. This dynamic and flexible approach will have a significant measurable impact on health in Louisiana and Mississippi. The mobile clinics will have appropriate equipment, supplies, including pharmaceuticals as well as appropriate diagnostic capabilities.

USDFA in discussion with UNICEF to create a strategic partnership in Africa

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) is in a direct discussion with UNICEF in order to form a strategic working partnership between the two organizations. The possible partnership would focus on USDFA's Mobile Clinic initiative which is scheduled for launch as a pilot program in Ethiopia. Members of the USDFA team are expected to arrive in Addis Ababa (Capital city of Ethiopia) toward the end of April for further discussion and to visit some of the on-going projects UNICEF is undertaking on the ground.

The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia is in full support of the proposed partnership between the two organizations. The partnership would provide additional strength and resources in terms of adding more medical manpower and expertise in order to effectively implement the government's health-initiative which includes providing training for over 30,000 health-workers through out the country.

UNICEF is a key partner of Ethiopia's Ministry of Health in providing important healthcare resources and life saving medical care to the people in need. The USDFA/UNICEF partnership would increase access to healthcare in many small towns and small villages in rural areas.

USDFA to hold press-conference in Washington DC

On Wednesday Feb. 27th, 2008 at 2:00PM, USDFA will hold an exclusive press conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington DC, highlighting its Mobile Clinic prior to deployment to Africa. The press conference will be held in partnership with The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Members of Congress along with Sr. officials from the World Bank, State Dept., Health and Human Services (HHS), United Nations - Washington office, as well as numerous African Ambassadors and the public in general are expected to attend.

The mobile clinic initiative is part of the US Doctors For Africa 15 years committment to launch 200 clinics through out the African continent in order to bring basic health care to the under served areas in rural Africa.

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Yale University: USDFA founder to speak at Yale University during the 2008 Unite for sight health conference:

On April 12, 2008, USDFA founder and Chairman Ted Alemayhu will present US Doctors for Africa's mission during the 2008 Unite for sight health conference at Yale University. For more information please click here.

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USDFA founder Ted Alemayhu - a keynote speaker at The Third Annual Health Disparities Conference at Columbia University.

USDFA founder and Chairman, Ted Alemayhu will be featured as a keynote speaker during the Third Aannual Health Disparities Conference at Columbia University on March 8th, 2008. For more information please click here

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USDFA held its annual gala event in New York city.

New York - U.S. Doctors for Africa (USDFA), founded by Ethiopian-American social entrepreneur Ted Alemayuhu, presented its 1st Annual New York Gala Benefit last night, October 17th, at Cipriani Wall Street (55 Wall Street), honoring extraordinary philanthropists, including Russell Simmons (Chairman/CEO, Rush Communications).

The evening included a performance by Alex Band of The Callingand teen band Creation, messages from screenwriter John August and USDFA founder Ted Alemayhu; as well as a video presentation by from comedian/actor/producer Bill Maher (HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher). The evening also featured a live auction and four-course gourmet dinner.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit USDFA’s proposed $70 million Mobile Clinic Initiative.

“This event is one of many”, says Ted Ted Alemayhu, Founder & CEO of USDFA. “Including a recent benefit in Los Angeles honoring actor Chris Tucker—helping us bring 200 mobile clinics to African citizens in rural areas where medical services are currently unavailable.”

Celebrities and VIPs that attended included honorees Russell Simmons, Warren Rosen (Founder/Chairman, Rosen Companies and Harmony Insurance Brokerage), Eric Pulier (Executive Chairman/CEO, SOA Software) and Paul Hunter (Founder/CEO, Hunter Manufacturing LTD), as well as screenwriter John August (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”), USDFA founder/CEO Ted Alemayhu and performer Alex Band (of The Calling).

By Tadias.com Staff

USDFA has been nominated to receive the 2007 Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award to be presented on October 11th, 2007 in San Diego, California.

This year, The UN Day theme is focused on the Eradication of Deadly Diseases to commemorate this year's United Nations Millennium Development Goal. Members of USDFA are grateful by the nomination and are looking forward to accepting the Award on October 11th.

For more information about past honorees, please click here

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Ted Alemayhu, founder and CEO of U.S. Doctors for Africa will speak at YOUNG PRESIDENTS' ORGANIZATION (YPO)

Saturday, April 21, 11:00 a.m.,Ted Alemayhu, founder and CEO of U.S. Doctors for Africa, will speak at the annual meeting of the YPO chapter in New York city.

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Dr. Carol Jacobs, Chairman of The Global Fund Joins USDFA Board.

Dr. Carol Jacobs, the current Chairman of the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the National HIV/AIDS Commission; Special Envoy to the Prime Minister on HIV/AIDS, Barbados; has joined US Doctors for Africa as an Honorary Board member.

Dr. Carol Jacobs was elected the Chairman of the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in April 2005, having represented Latin America and the Caribbean on the board since 2004. She also serves as the Chairman of Barbados’ HIV/AIDS Commission and Special Envoy to the Prime Minister on HIV/AIDS. Dr. Jacobs was born and educated in Jamaica, and graduated from the University of the West Indies in medicine. After working for several years at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, she started and has maintained a private medical practice for the past 25 years.

Dr. Jacobs has been involved in HIV/AIDS for more than 18 years throughout Barbados, the Caribbean and internationally. Between 1995 and 1998, she was the Chair of the Barbados National Advisory Committee on AIDS, represented Barbados and the Caribbean on the board of the WHO's Global Program on AIDS and subsequently on the Program Coordinating Board of the Joint United Nations Program on AIDS. She has also served as a director on the boards of a number of community-based organizations.

As an internationally respected healthcare professional and an expert in the HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria; Dr. Jacobs bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help further develop the mission of US Doctors for Africa.

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Ted Alemayhu, founder and CEO of U.S. Doctors for Africa will speak at the University of San Diego

Monday, April 16, 7:00 p.m., IPJ Theatre - IPJ Speaker Series presents “Tackling Africa’s Health Care Crisis: Toward Solutions in Post-Conflict Settings.” Ted Alemayhu, founder and CEO of U.S. Doctors for Africa, will speak.

USDFA is a non-profit organization focusing on HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases affecting Africa, addressing urgent local needs for healthcare professionals, while working long-term for the creation of self-sustaining and self-directed public health systems continent-wide. 7:00 p.m., Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice Theatre. Free, with a reception to follow. This event is co-sponsored by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, U.S. Doctors for Africa, and the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science.

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US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) have been approved by the President of the United States Council for “The President’s Volunteer Service Award” as an Official Certifying Organization.

In his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush issued a challenge to all Americans to make time to help their neighbors, communities, and Nation through service. He called on each person to dedicate at least 4,000 hours – or two years – to service over the course of their lives. He created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans answer his call to service and help foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.

In 2003, President Bush created the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to find ways to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our Nation and around the World.

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

US Doctors for Africa is proud to join the President’s initiative in recognizing our Volunteer medical professionals who dedicate their time, expertise, and true American Value of helping those who suffer from the HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and other communicable diseases throughout the African Continent.

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11.19.06

US Doctors for Africa Donates 35,500lb of medical supplies to Sierra Leone:

US Doctors for Africa (USDFA) shipped an estimated 35,500 pounds of medical supply (Calmoseptine Ointment) to a West Africa nation of Sierra Leone.

The Calmoseptine Ointment donated by USDFA was loaded in 1x40' (forty-foot container) yesterday and is currently on its way to the capital city, Freetown's Harbor/Port.

The Honorable Ms. Angus Tayler-Lewis, Ministry of Health & Sanitation of the Republic of Sierra Leone will receive the donation on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone.

Calmoseptine Ointment is a multipurpose, moisture barrier ointment. It is over-the counter and does not require a prescription to obtain. It was originally developed by a pharmacist as a diaper rash ointment but, over time, has been found to be effective for a number of conditions.

Click here for more information on this Product.