Looks like diplomacy's paying off-
Press Release
Calypte, in Washington, DC, Presents the 10,000 Oral Fluid Rapid HIV Test Donation to the Embassy of Kenya
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Calypte Biomedical Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: CBMC), medical diagnostic tests manufacturer for the detection of antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for the professional point of care (PRO) and over the counter (OTC) segments of the market, presented in Washington, DC, 10,000 of its Aware(TM) HIV-1/2 OMT (oral fluid) rapid tests to Ms. Lily Sambu, Deputy Chief of Mission to the Embassy of Kenya. The event took place in the U.S. House Cannon office building hosted by U.S. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (D-OR) who praised Calypte's donation. "For too long we've seen the effects of HIV/AIDS in the world. It is time we find a better way to test individuals without fear of accidental infection," said Representative Hooley. "With Calypte's donation to Kenya, we know there will be more people tested and finding out their status."
Receiving the tests on behalf of His Excellency Peter Ogego, Kenyan Ambassador to the United States, Ms. Sambu said, "This method of testing is wonderful. With these tests one does not need a professional to assist you, which cut down on the stigma of a blood test." Ms. Sambu further added, "We will work with Calypte to further their endeavor with the Ministry of Health."
His Excellency Peter Ogego commented, "While we still await any possible breakthroughs in the search for the HIV/AIDS vaccine, jointly conducted by KAVI (the Kenya's AIDS Virus Initiative) and IAVI (the International AIDS Virus Initiative), the Aware(TM) HIV-1/2 OMT rapid tests are able to help our people to determine their status for subsequent treatment, if they are positive."
"It would therefore be an important facility or tool to identify who needs to be treated -- the sooner the better -- and thereby making an important contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS," His Excellency Peter Ogego concluded.
Also congratulating Calypte on their donation was U.S. Congressman John Boozman (R-AR) who sits on the House Africa Subcommittee of the International Relations Committee. Representative Boozman is also chairman of the Ivory Coast and West Africa caucuses, and a member of the Kenya Caucus.
"Knowledge is a key component in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS across the world, and especially in Africa," Representative Boozman said. "Any way to make the diagnosis of HIV easier will allow for the proper care and treatment of infected persons, thus resulting in controlling the spread of the virus.
"I applaud Calypte and the efforts of my friend from Oregon to make this humanitarian gesture possible," Representative Boozman added.
Other Members of Congress congratulating Calypte's donation were Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) of Laredo and Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) of Chicago.
Calypte is headquartered in Congresswoman Hooley's district in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and coordinated the donation with the Congresswoman's office. A champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Congresswoman Hooley has continually shown an eagerness to help U. S. companies expand the use of their products into Africa and other affected areas. Calypte's non-invasive rapid HIV tests are approved in Kenya, which will permit their immediate use.
Mr. Roger I. Gale, Calypte's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "We are pleased to have the support of the Ambassador, our local Congresswoman and other Members of Congress. We believe we are involved in an important humanitarian effort and it is through the support of these important individuals and their organizations that we can best assist in the global fight against AIDS. This donation to the Republic of Kenya, where our products are approved for sale and use, is a way to provide key thought centers with the ability to diagnose HIV/AIDS in situations where such a non-invasive test can be of help. Without the discomfort and risk of a blood test, voluntary testing rates have been shown to increase significantly. One of the fundamental aspects of HIV intervention is identifying infected individuals so that they may be counseled and referred to therapy. We are pleased to lead the way in this effort with our Aware(TM) HIV-1/2 oral fluid rapid test."
About U.S. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley:
Darlene Hooley is the U.S. Representative from Oregon's 5th Congressional District. She has fought hard for and won funding for numerous job creating projects and public investments in the 5th District, including biomedical research funding.
Congresswoman Hooley was elected President of her class of incoming freshman U.S. House members in 1997. During her second term in Congress, she was selected as Whip at Large and served in that role until 2003, when she was named Senior Whip.
About Kenya:
Kenya has a population of approximately 34 million people of whom approximately 1.3 million live with AIDS. An estimated 140,000 adults and children died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2005. Kenya has a 5-year strategic plan targeting this disease and is one of three countries in the region that has seen a decline in its prevalence. Kenya's HIV prevalence rate in adults has fallen to 6.1% in 2004 from a peak of 10% in the mid-1990s. (Kenya HIV and AIDS Data Booklet, 2005)
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