By MARY GILBERT
President Bush and President-elect Barack Obama marked the 20th annual World AIDS Day by addressing Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Civil Forum at the Newseum in Washington today. Bush appeared in person to receive an "International Medal of PEACE" from the California pastor for his administration's efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, while Obama pre-recorded a video message for the event.
Bush does not get much credit for his foreign policy initiatives, but even critics acknowledge his work to help eradicate AIDS, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In remarks delivered this morning from the White House lawn, Bush -- accompanied by the first lady -- touted the results of his President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief. Launched in 2003, PEPFAR has channeled $18.8 billion to fight the disease and has met its goal of treating 2 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.
Foreign aid experts wonder if the economic downturn at home will impact the new president's willingness to devote money to eradicating diseases in foreign countries. But in his remarks to the Saddleback Forum, Obama pledged to continue this administration's work on fighting HIV/AIDS "around the world." He praised Bush for "his leadership in crafting a plan for AIDS relief in Africa and backing it up with funding dedicated to saving lives and preventing the spread of the disease."
Obama also emphasized the need to "recommit ourselves to addressing the AIDS crisis here in the United States." He proposed a combination of education, prevention and treatment to help those already infected and stop the spread of the disease, and urged "focusing on those communities at greatest risk."
Obama admitted that "in the end, this epidemic can't be stopped by government alone," but, quoting St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he called on leaders of the AIDS movement to continue to sound the call and encourage others to take up the fight against the disease. "I am humbled by your devotion to this cause and look forward to working with you and new partners in this effort in the years ahead," he concluded.
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