Bush Gives Zambian Mother Kiss -- and Commitment to Fight AIDS; President Bush Champions $15 Billion Global AIDS Bill in White House Ceremony: World Vision's Princess Kasune Zulu meets with president in Oval Office

Business Wire - April 30, 2003

WASHINGTON-- After receiving a kiss from President Bush on Tuesday, an HIV-positive Zambian mother is hoping for another expression of commitment from Congress: swift passage of the president's Emergency Plan for AIDS relief.

World Vision representative Princess Kasune Zulu was among a small group of religious and business leaders, as well as AIDS advocates and Uganda's ambassador, who met with the president and other top administration officials in the Oval Office to discuss the President's plan to fight the worldwide HIV/AIDS crisis that claims the lives of 8,000 people each day.

"The crisis in Africa requires immediate attention. World Vision asks for swift passage of this bill," said Zulu, a World Vision worker from Zambia who has tested HIV positive. "Any delay will result in the loss of human lives."

After the Oval Office meeting, Bush kissed Zulu on the cheek before his East Room appearance in front of the press, members of Congress and others concerned with the international AIDS crisis. The President championed the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which designates $3 billion a year for five years to fight AIDS in Africa and the Caribbean. The House of Representatives is expected to consider the bill this week.

World Vision encourages Americans to contact their congressional representatives now to urge swift passage of the bill. In addition, World Vision supports designating at least 10 percent of the allocated funds to help the 13 million orphans and vulnerable children who are suffering because of AIDS. This includes an aggressive effort to educate children young people on how to stay HIV negative.

Founded in 1950, World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization, serving the world's poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

CONTACT: Elaine Bole, 202/608-1842

703/932-7189 cell; 888/758-8122 pager

Sheryl Watkins, 253/815-2246, 888/787-3056 pager

SOURCE: World Vision
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