Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle - February 15, 2008
But the trip has a more serious side - a reminder to the world that Africa can prosper and overcome its dismal image of war, misrule, disease and poverty.
It's an important message, though the president is playing it safe. He won't be going near the trouble spots that badly need Washington's attention. There will be no stopovers near the Darfur region of Sudan, Congo's enormous war zone or Kenya's civil strife. Millions have died in these conflicts while the West has stood by for the most part.
Instead he will play up the positives by bringing Air Force One to Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia, all young democracies with fragile but growing economies. Several of these nations receive a stream of U.S. money to help fight malaria and the AIDS virus, while others have signed up for the Millennium Challenge program which links aid to political and economic reforms.
These countries also play a grittier role within Africa. Their armies and elected leaders have taken on the role of peace-keepers in regional fights. Bush's visit rightly honors them for this tough duty.
President Bush has not ignored Africa and its problems. His $15 billion AIDS program is largest of any government's and focuses heavily on Africa, where two-thirds of the world's HIV-positive population lives. But he can do more to rescue Africa from the forces tearing it apart and isolating its people from the rest of the world.
080215
SC080213
Copyright © 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle Press. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Chronicle, Permissions Desk, 901 Mission Street, San Franciso, CA 94103. You may also send a fax to (415) 495-3843, or an email message to chronperm@sfgate.com. http://www.sfgate.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .