Press

The Balm Hosts First Lady, Laura Bush

The first Lady of the U.S, Mrs. Laura Bush in conversation with pupils of Madrassa Hawwah of Dar Es Salaam on 17th February 2008: A program of The Balm In Gilead™

The Balm In Gilead™ along with its partner organizations had the privilege of hosting First Lady Laura Bush while visiting Tanzania in February 2008. The Balm In Gilead's Faith Initiative, specifically its work with Tanzania's Muslim community was selected by the US Embassy to be visited by President and First Lady Bush. First Lady Bush attended a Madrassa Hawwah Class (Muslim youth HIV prevention program) in Dar es Salaam along with Tanzanian First Lady, Mama Salma Kikwete. Also attending was The Chief Mufti Of Zanzibar, The Mufti of Tanzania, The President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference and The General Secretary of CCT. Mrs. Bush held a 10 minute question and answer session with the students.

The Tanzania HIV/AIDS Interfaith Partnership, organized and under the direction of The Balm In Gilead™ continues to create awareness, to build the capacity of faith Institutions and mobilize communities in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania through the on-going technical support and capacity development of its faith partners. The Balm In Gilead's faith partners that comprised The Tanzania HIV/AIDS Interfaith Partnership are: The Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT); The Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA); The Office Of The Chief Mufti Of Zanzibar; and The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC).

Joining Pernessa C. Seele, Founder/CEO along with Stefan Wiktor Director, CDC-TZ are: Archbishop Jude Tadeus Ruwa-ichi, President Tanzania Episcopal Conference (Catholic); Bishop Peter kitual, First Vice-President, Christian Council of Tanzania (Protestant); Sheikh Issa bin Shaaban Simba, Mufti of Tanzania; and Sheikh Harith bin Khelef, Chief Mufti of Zanzibar