United States of America is open to engagement with Zimbabwe should the government change its political and economic policies, visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs at State Department, Carol O’ Connell has said.
By Walter Ndlovu
Speaking during her visit to PEPFAR-supported Population Service International (PSI) New Start Centre in the central business district of Harare on Tuesday, O’Connell said the relationship between Zimbabwe and US was the reason why she visited the country.
“We are looking for the Zimbabwean leadership and government to make political and economical changes so that we can be more robust in engaging with the country”, she said.
O’Connell added that US is still supporting Zimbabwe despite the changes in administration adding that Africa has a phenomenal opportunity.
“The US through PEPFAR and PMI are pledging over $150 million to be used over the next 12 months,” said O’Connell adding that they looking forward to increase that amount in 2018 as they seek to improve medical services in Zimbabwe.
She said the US government is working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, faith based groups, informative partners, the private sector, civil society and the international community in fighting the epidemic disease.
O’Connell applauded PSI for achieving a lot in HIV prevention over the years.
She applauded the media for playing a fundamental role in fighting HIV/Aids through coverage.
