The Ghanaian doctor and center-right activist wonders: why was former U.S. president Bill Clinton and not a Republican representative addressing last week's international AIDS conference about America's HIV/AIDS prevention work in Africa?: "Most of the world agonized about the cost of getting so many people on medications. The medical community, aside from cost, worried about whether uneducated Africans could adhere to complex drug regimens and about drug resistance that might emanate from non-compliance. Then America -- or more specifically -- George Bush stepped in with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This plan committed 16 billion USD to the fight against HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria. To date, about 46 billion USD has been spent in these efforts. The US effort has been in tandem with the Global Fund for AIDS."
After noting that 5 million African lives have been saved due to PEPFAR, Dr. Kennedy continues his commentary about HIV in Africa: "Despite the contributions of all the others [like African leaders and scientists], the contribution of America to fighting the HIV pandemic has been exceptional. From the discovery of the disease to the search for a cure to the provision of resources, the Americans have led the world. It is ironic that the President who addressed the HIV conference was Bill Clinton and not George Walker Bush. While Mr. Clinton's foundation has done some good work in the AIDS fight, the pride of place in the fight against AIDS should go to President Bush and his team, including Colin Powell, Condi Rice and Bill Frist."
More: "Admittedly, many Americans have contributed to the fight against AIDS and all deserve thanks from Africa. However, our reluctance to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. Bush, which is strangely shared by many Americans, is baffling. Part of this willful neglect of the truth comes from the popular African perception that Republicans are anti-black and therefore not friendly to Africa. This belief endures despite significant evidence to the contrary."
Dr. Kennedy proposes some ways to reverse African ingratitude to Republicans: "Going forward, the best approach is for Africa to appreciate America and its generosity towards our continent, particularly in the fight against HIV. We should respect and honour all Americans whose deeds show that they are truly Africa's friends, regardless of their party affiliation or their race. While the world can afford to show ingratitude to those who have made lasting contributions, Africa cannot. We must encourage new friends to step forward by celebrating old friends. As I write, spending on PEPFAR, the Bush program that anchored the significant progress made in the fight against AIDS, is expected to decrease by 12% next year, according to the budget proposals of the Obama administration. Thanking and celebrating President Bush will be a clear message to President Obama that we will remember and celebrate our friends. Let us begin by having the Africa Union nominate President Bush for a Nobel Prize, in appreciation for his contributions to the fight against HIV."
Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy: "George W. Bush & Republicans Deserve Credit For Their Leadership In Fighting HIV In Africa"
