The purpose of ARP’s Africa trip was to provide key congressional and administration staffers with an opportunity to visit successful treatment programs in three of the countries included in the President’s $15 billion 5 – year Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

ARP targeted staffers to appropriations committee members with a particular focus on those from the majority party. It is the responsibility of the majority members to lead the effort to fund this new initiative, and for that reason, it is essential that these key staffers be persuasive, confident advocates for funding. Providing them with a first hand view of successful treatment programs will help to ensure that they have the information they need to be effective advocates.

Included in ARP’s Africa delegation was a 6 person film crew from the Marlo Group led by Marlo President Ed Lopatin. While on the trip the Marlo team shot footage for a soon to be completed ARP documentary on the enormous potential that exist for effective anti-retroviral drug treatment in Africa, and the importance of U.S. leadership in the fight against HIV.

ARP’s Africa trip was made possible by the generous support of the following lead sponsors.

The trip itinerary, list of delegation members, and some photos can all be viewed on this site..