New York — The Africa-America Institute will present AAI African National Achievement Awards to the people of Kenya and Uganda at its 50th Anniversary Awards Gala: Celebrating Partnership and Progress on Tuesday, November 4, 2003 at 6:15 p.m. at the United Nations Delegates' Dining Room in New York City.
These awards recognize the inspiring advances both countries are making towards a brighter future for the African continent. President Yoweri Museveni, will accept the award at the Gala on behalf of the people of Uganda. President Mwai Kibaki accepted the award in person during his State Visit to the U.S. on October 7th, 2003 at 2pm at the Blair-Lee House in a small ceremony videotaped for the November Gala.
Thousands of dedicated Kenyans have worked tirelessly toward a peaceful democratic transition for their nation following 40 years of authoritarian rule. Neighboring Uganda has, in one decade, cut the rate of AIDS infection from 15% to 5%, while also reducing poverty from 56% to 35%. Both Uganda and Kenya have recently made further progress with Tanzania, reforming the East Africa Community to speak with one voice to attract investment to their growing economies.
The event Chair of the awards is Henry McKinnell, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer Inc. Mr. McKinnell was recently appointed by President Bush to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Representing Pfizer at the ceremony will be Karen Katen, President of the Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals Group.
AAI Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented to Dr. Fred Wabwire-Mangen, Director of the Institute for Public Health at Makerere University in Uganda, and a leader in his country's battle against AIDS, and Dr. Miriam K. Were, one of the world's leading research scientists in public health, with internationally acclaimed expertise in prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. She chairs both the African Medical and Research Foundation's Board of Directors and Kenya's National AIDS Control Council and serves as a member of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission.
For its 50th anniversary, AAI is launching the Education Partnership Campaign: 50,000 New Leaders in 5 years. This initiative will provide advanced training opportunities for citizens of African countries. A highly skilled workforce gives a nation the means to achieve lasting positive change. Since its founding in 1953, AAI has been the primary strategic partner of U.S. government agencies in administering the education and professional training programs that prepare Africans to build healthy societies.
AAI has accelerated the ability of African nations to mold their own futures by helping 20,000 Africans complete college, graduate level and professional training. Eighty-five percent of African students educated away from home through AAI have returned trained and eager to make the difference their countries require.
A multi-racial, multi-ethnic, non-profit organization, AAI has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. and a presence in 50 African nations. For more information on AAI, visit www.aaionline.org.
