Essential Medicines News

Ben Feller, “Bush: Conflicts Not Focus of Africa Trip” Associated Press, 16 February 2008.

American President George W. Bush is touring the African continent for the first time since 2003. Along with democratic reform, US assistance in the area of malaria and HIV/AIDS are to be discussed as he visits during the upcoming week. At a news conference with Benin’s President Thomas Boni Yayi, Bush restated US intentions to provide mosquito nets for every child under the age of five to help curb outbreaks of malaria.

There is also much discussion on the intended doubling of HIV/AIDS funding for ARVs to be delivered to sub-Saharan Africa. Bush highlights what is being done in a BBC interview:

When I first went to Sub-Saharan Africa, 50,000 were receiving antiretrovirals. Today, 1.3 million. And that’s a lot in a very quick period of time. But, there’s so much more suffering. And that’s why I’ve called for a doubling of aid. The good news is, it’s not just America. As I mentioned in my speech, the G8 nations also are supporting this very important initiative.