NYC AIDS activist lauds President of Equatorial Guinea

NEW YORK – Victor Mooney, AIDS activist and executive director of US based – South African Arts International, welcomed H.E., Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of Equatorial Guinea affirmation in the global fight against AIDS during the 67th United Nations General Assembly this week.

“I had an appointment to see the President Obiang this week, but due to time constraints, the meeting was postponed. God-willing, I hope to see him in Malabo for my African send-off reception for Goree Challenge IV”, said Mr. Mooney.

Mr. Mooney did spend some quality time with H.E., Anatolio Ndong Mba, Permanent Ambassador for Equatorial Guinea to the United Nations at the African Burial Ground last week. “From Malabo to Manhattan or South Bronx to Soweto, HIV/AIDS has no borders. With renewed vigor and partnerships, it’s possible to foresee an AIDS-free generation”, said Mr. Mooney.

After the send-off reception in Malabo, Mr. Mooney will fly to Las Palmas, Canary Islands and meet up with his 24’ ocean rowboat, christened “The Spirit of Malabo” and begin a fourth bid at a five-thousand mile transatlantic row for an AIDS-free generation.

During the summer, South African Arts International presented Equatorial Guinea officials an official 2010 World Cup Match Ball “The Jabulani”, as part of their on-going campaign called “Score a goal for an AIDS-free generation”. A second match ball was awarded to the Republic of Angola in celebration of 10 year anniversary for United States Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Mr. Paul Evanson, PEPFAR coordinator at US Embassy in Luanda, Angola is slated to host an activity around the match ball.

Mr. Mooney has lost one brother to AIDS and has another battling the disease.

Photo Handout: Ambassador Eric Goosby, M.D., PEPFAR Coordinator, signs the 2010 World Cup Match Ball “The Jabulani” that was awarded to the Republic of Angola at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC, as Victor Mooney, executive director of South African Arts International looks on. On the net: www.goreechallenge.com.