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Bush: AIDS Fight in Africa Is American Way

We've taken big strides, but the fight's not over

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 1, 2010 10:46 AM CST

(Newser) – When George W. Bush became president, “much of sub-Saharan Africa was on the verge of catastrophe” thanks to the HIV epidemic. So America took action, and now millions are on AIDS medication. The relief effort served US interests in helping to stabilize a region on the brink; but what’s more, taking action reflected “American character and beliefs,” Bush writes in the Washington Post.

Great progress has been made since Bush took office, including a recent UN announcement that “the world has begun to halt and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS,” Bush notes. But the fight is far from over. Some “friendly advice” to Congress: “A thousand pressing issues come with each day. But there are only a few that you will want to talk about in retirement with your children.” This is one.

Former President George W. Bush speaks during the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Service in Lake Forest, Calif., Monday, Nov. 29, 2010.
Former President George W. Bush speaks during the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Service in Lake Forest, Calif., Monday, Nov. 29, 2010.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Former President George W. Bush gives a Veteran's Day address, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
Former President George W. Bush gives a Veteran's Day address, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2010, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.   (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
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During a presidency often forced to focus on national security, the fight against global disease was sometimes viewed as an anomaly. It wasn't. America has a direct stake in the progress and hope of other nations. - George W. Bush

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
MDD
Dec 2, 2010 3:39 AM CST
Stop spending my TAX dollars on ungrateful people, let them ALL die!
offspringdude235
Dec 1, 2010 11:23 AM CST
I can't stand the guy but this is one of the few truly good things he did with his time in office. My hat is off to him.
amp94040
Dec 1, 2010 11:19 AM CST
Wow, where are all of the Bush haters? I am no fan of Bush, but no one is going to bash him? I mean after all it is his solely his fault that 911 happened, that we went to war in Afghanistan and Iraq, and it is solely his fault the econmy is so bad, right? I am actually surprised Newser has posted this article.
 

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