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All this news and comment about the HIV/Aids scourge in Africa is all farce and lies. It's all about money and the powers of Western news propaganda. I want any agency, including the United Nations, cooking up these figures of the dead and dying in African cities and villages to phyically show evidence of their findings as is currently being done by the United Nations in the Iraq weapon inspections as proof that people are actually dying.
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It's well-documented and proven knowlegde that Western news media and charity organizations portray Africa and Africans in negative image to secure the much needed public or organizational supports for their donations.
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As an African, I'm yet to know anyone in my antive village, Odi in Bayelsa State of Nigeria, with a population of more than 10,000 people, who is dying or died of Aids. Even, in the city of Port Harcourt with a population of more than 700,000 people where I once resided, the incidence of a person dying of HIV/Aids is scarcely known but the public is adequately and highly knowledgable about disease. So where in the world are they are getting these high figures of people dying of Aids? [ show full text ]
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Francis Kabiowei Udisi, Philadelphia, USA 8 Feb 2003
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Any act that can bring attention to the plight of Africans in Africa must be encouraged by those who are compassionate.
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Thousands(if not more) have died from HIV/Aids. It is clearly a crisis, just as malaria is. However, the cure for malaria is readily available while that of Aids is tentative and expensive.
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The announcement by President Bush to support the fight against HIV/Aids should and must be seen as a positive development as it also draws attention to other aspects of Africa, such as the ethnic wars, misappropriation of resources, dictatorships etc. These directly or indirectly impact the health of Africans and in order to ensure that HIV/Aids is sucessfully controlled, those aspects must be confronted.
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Finally, I hope the United State Congress will support the President and not make it partisan, for there are lives in the balance. [ show full text ]
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Osagie Ogbomo, Chicago, Illinois, USA 8 Feb 2003
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I find it sad that a lot of Africans are still denying the existence of Aids. I have just come back from Zimbabwe where the only profitable business to be in is funeral services. Hundreds of youngsters and middle-age men and women are dying needlessly. Grandparents are now charged with having to look after the orphaned grandchildren. When will this denial stop? I see grown men leaving their wives for younger women and infecting as many females as they can. Let's stop blaming others and look at ourselves truthfully. It's probably too late anyway!
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Cassandra Brown, London 7 Feb 2003
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A lot remains to be done in the area of information spreading, especially where people are still glued to their beliefs that the disease is non-existent. Governments are not doing enough to educate their people. For example in Sierra Leone ,it is only certain groups, that is to say, commercial sex workers that are believed to be under threat. This group is relatively safe because they practice the use of condoms in contrast to other groups (including married men and women) who engage in the most prosmiscuos life. It is only when this group is targeted, that one can one start to think about the slowing down of the spread of the disease.
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Abu Mansaray, Leipzig Germany 5 Feb 2003
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I hope that this money will be used to help the victims of Aids as well as to promote prevention education in Africa. It is a shame, the amount of drugs we throw away that could be used to treat those who can't afford them. Aids victims are everywhere. Aids treats all victims the same regardless of race, wealth, faith, or any other boundaries that we use to classify. Even with the countries mentioned, there are still too many countries going without.
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Sue, Ohio, USA 5 Feb 2003
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Due to the fact that this support was announced, and due to the fact that the whole world has gathered momentum against the Aids scourge, I wish to add that this announcement comes at a time when the whole world is united and protesting against the US-led war on Iraq. We shall receive this aid with suspicion and outright rejection. But as a step, let the political heads open up their minds and come out fully against the Aids scourge like President Museveni has demostrated.
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Mugoloza, Germany 5 Feb 2003
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It is good that President Bush has promised to give a lot of money but it remains to be seen if he will fulfill his promise. Africa has been promised repeatedly, but all the promises of reducing or cancelling the debt of the poorest African nations [have been unfulfilled]. Thus far, African nations have only received Mr. Chamberlain's promissory letter. I wonder how Africans will live on empty promises?
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It would be premature to speak of how the promised money to will be spent. It were better we Afrians did something on own, instead of waiting for more empty promises. This I say because we expected Nepad to do something better than the organizations like the World Bank, IMF, WTO etc. I wish and hope African countries will understand that the Western nations have no intention of helping us. Thank you. [ show full text ]
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Tekie Habtemicael, Kristianstad, Sweden 5 Feb 2003
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I believe that HIV/Aids rates are not only an indication of the poverty level of a country, but also a refelection of the national policies, and as such, without a government that is truly dedicated to the well-being of its citizens, a funding of this large scale may make its way to president's Swiss bank accounts, rather than toward a true fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic. So let us do a country-by-country, rigorous survey of the governments, and if there is any reason for concern, we should allocate resources to smaller NGO's.
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Rebecca Mammo, MD, MPH, California, USA 5 Feb 2003
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Once upon a time there was a continent named Africa. Nobody there died and there was no disease. Until a sickness called Aids came along.
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What a fairy tale.
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The war against Aids is a fraud. There is NO AIDS epidemic in Africa. The HIV test used - when used at all - is chronically unreliable and exhibits a high incidence of cross-reactivity. Many existing tropical diseases have now been repackaged under a new brand name of Aids.
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Mark Twain popularized in the U.S. Benjamin Disraeli's statement, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies, and statistics." Many independent researchers have been unable to find any evidence of the mass deaths that are supposed to be occurring due to this bubonic plague-like epidemic. [ show full text ]
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John Bangura, USA 5 Feb 2003
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What the President proposes is noble. However, the readers of this site should realize that Congress has a say in what the President can and cannot do. A favorite political game played in Washington,is for members of the House and Senate to load the noble animal down with dead-weight issues unrelated to the HIV/Aids issue until it dies of its burden, thus leaving both sides to blame the other.
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Carloss C. Vincent, Minneapolis,U.S.A. 4 Feb 2003
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As much as I appreciate the effort of President Bush, I'd like to add that there is no point helping any nation that is not ready to help itself. Only nations that show genuine interest to curb the scourge of Aids [this being made apparent by the things they have done on ground]should be the ones that receive such aid.Evaluation of how well the aid is used should also be regularly carried out, preferably impromptu to prevent wastage.
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Yemi Oginni, Ibadan, Nigeria. 4 Feb 2003
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The Aids fight needs to be led by the people who are most affected - Africans. I wonder how many Africans have actually taken time to ponder where that continent [is going] if we don't find a solution for the Aids pandemic.
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However, it is hard to imagine how the poor people who live on the continent will manage to come up with the resources to fight this disease.
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Fortunately, there are millions of people of African descent living in the West who can make a difference in the fight against Aids.
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There is a popular saying in my homeland that - "every disappointment is a blessing". Can Aids be a blessing to Africa? Aids can be a blessing to Africa if people of African descent can come together and find a solution to this problem. [ show full text ]
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Angu Vifansi, Halifax, NS, Canada 4 Feb 2003
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Dear colleagues,
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I am taking this opportunity to invite you to Kenya Aids group, a group made up of over 400 Kenyans and non Kenyans.
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The site address is http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/kenya-aids or email me at .
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Kenya has the challenge of meeting the reproductive health needs of a rapidly expanding population in the era of Aids and under the constraint of shrinking health resources. Currently, one in every 15 adults in Kenya is infected with HIV, and each day an estimated 600 Kenyans die of Aids. Over the past decade, the adult HIV prevalence rate in Kenya has risen steadily from approximately 3 percent in 1990 to almost 14 percent in 1999. Heterosexual contact accounts for 85 percent of the recorded number of HIV infections in the country, with the prevalence of infection highest among females aged 15-19 and males aged 30-34. [ show full text ]
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Chifu, Group Moderator, New York, NY USA 4 Feb 2003
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After over 20 years of research and billions of dollars spent, the hypothesis that the HIV-Virus causes Aids is still NOT proven!
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The HIV test is positive for over 70 different conditions like malaria, tuberculosis, intestinal infections due to malnutrition etc. Don't believe me. Check out the opinions of the so-called Aids-Dissidents for yourselves and get a more balanced picture. There is a growing group of virologists from countries all over the world who oppose the "HIV causes Aids" dogma. As a starting point go to the sites www.aidsmyth.com and www.virusmyth.net.
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The real Agenda of Bush's administration is to give away billions of dollars to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry to promote anti-retroviral drugs which in effect depress the immune system of originally healthy "HIV-positive" people. So what sounds like a selfless act to help Aids-patients in Africa is in fact another scheme of corporate welfare and in fact will kill thousands of people through the use of poisonous drugs like AZT. [ show full text ]
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Rasputin, New York City, USA 4 Feb 2003
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Speaking as an African, I think Bush's donation should be appreciated and such gestures should be encouraged.
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We spend a lot of time talking about motives behind US donations, about poverty, starvation and find people to beg from and blame but we should also realize that nobody can help us better than ourselves, nobody will develop our continent better than ourselves and nobody will watch over us better than ourselves.
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Are we educating our citizens enough on the issues that affect us (including Aids and Poverty)? Have we stopped to look within our territories to find resources that we could harness to produce a better tommorrow? Is there any blueprint on ground for strategies developed to combat our social issues? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves. [ show full text ]
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John Unum, London, UK 4 Feb 2003
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As far as I am concerned, it is a good developement by President Bush regime to have donated such amount of money for the campaign aginst Aids.
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But the issue is, where is the money going to, all the while? With all the money donated and contibuted so far, i think anti-retroviral drugs should have been cheaper for a common infected carrier to afford by now, but rather 90% of the carriers can not still afford the drugs.
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In my own opinion, the funds should be well-utilised so that an average carrier will be able to afford, instead of being embezzled and mismanaged by those callous leaders. Moreover,more funds should be spent on awareness and proper education amongst the youths in which the scourge is more rampant. [ show full text ]
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Adenle Ademola (microbiologist), University of Sussex,UK 4 Feb 2003
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I think its nice to want to treat people who already have the virus. However,I think the prejudices towards HIV-infected individuals contributes to its spread in sub-saharan Africa. If society did not treat the infected individuals as lepers, just maybe they would not be in denial of their condition for so long. One of the biggest problems in Africa is how society relates to the patients. I think this should be dealt with.
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Priscilla Chunda, Leiden, The Netherlands 4 Feb 2003
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It is all farce. All are after big money. And even if u are talking of helping through money, it won't reach the right hands.
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Abdul Khan, Lahore, Pakistan 4 Feb 2003
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I think Bush's donation is cynical - he seems to want to legitimize his racism and mistreatment of Black Americans by inserting himself onto African causes and throwing money or proposing to at problems in Africa. I can't say that Bush is doing this simply because he wants "African" oil, etc. - this is so simplistic and self-serving - given the fact that many African nations are jumping up and down attempting to court Bush and his cronies who are looking for resources such as Nigerian Oil.
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We always hear about how "American" culture is so indecent, etc. sexually loose. But the truth of the matter is that the spread of HIV/Aids in Africa is about sexual indecency as propagated by some black African cultures - and the oppression of African women. [ show full text ]
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African-American, USA 3 Feb 2003
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Two problems are being presented with regards to Aids. First, is the issue of severe dependency on outside solutions to our problems. Let me remind you of the Ebola epidemic in early 1990s in Zaire; the vaccine was made by Zairean doctors who disregarded the "scientific" mimbo-jumbo from the Western agencies e.g. US-Center for Disease Control. But, we are losing our will to encourage and support our scientists, who are by the way running to the West.
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This brings me to the second point, which is dependency on funding from the West, especially the recent "promise" by GWB. Bush had to sound humane at his speech, and who is better than a helpless African to use as a scapegoat. Let us understand the U.S.' Foreign Aid politics, the stingiest of all donors. First, there is lack of continuity in US politics. In other words as much as 70% of promised funding remains as "unfilfilled mandate." Unless, the money is submitted, it remains as "promised funds." [ show full text ]
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A. Osman, An African in Michigan, USA 3 Feb 2003
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Please read the text of President Bush's “State of the Union” address before posting passages from it. It is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov. For someone to charge Bush with spreading racism against blacks when he discussed Africa during his “State of Union” speech is so pathetic. I also recommend reading “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”.
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Bill, Los Angeles, USA & Cape Town, South Africa 3 Feb 2003
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The African people of the US and abroad should for once bind together and and create a buying block and force the price of the drugs down. In one day Black men in America spent $200 million for transportation and other items when they traveled to Washington to show our strenth and unity on 10/16/95. Why can't we invest in ourselves and pretend that we are going to "another March". If every male and female of African descent would invest in a positive effort to benefit the entire black world wen could finance production of medications that will prolong the life of many (Millions).
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Until Mother Africa is free of the contamination caused by certain countries (do I need to call names?) there is a threat of Africa being re-populated by Europeans after the black population perish either from Aids, which is man-made or death by the hands of other black men whose mind has been polluted by the thugs of Europe. Maybe the bullies that are in charge of some of the African nations will come to their senses and realise that we as a people need to be independent of war, desease,and bad politics and get on to proving how great we can truly be. Peace and Love. [ show full text ]
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Benjamin Kyles, Cleveland Ohio USA 3 Feb 2003
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This is indeed a global challenge. Money will help, but it will take a broad approach to make a significant impact. The legacy of colonialism and slavery plays a key part. How do you inspire major changes in very personal behavior? Especially when the changes are being proposed by forces and nations that have seldom proven trustworthy?
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I believe there is a tremendous role to be played by Africans born in America (African-Americans). We can serve as a critical bridge between US policy and the actual needs of affected people on the continent. Colin Powell is a prime example. Powell pushed early on for renewed focus on Africa, visiting there before 9/11. African-Americans have much to bring to the table, including, unfortunately a high HIV infection rate in America. Yet there is a strong body of African-American businessmen, healthcare professionals, engineers, educators, lawyers, ministers and social scientists who could make the all important human and personal connection with our African brothers and sisters, just as Amercian Jews greatly influence policy toward Israel. [ show full text ]
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amandilo, Chicago, USA 3 Feb 2003
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Who's fooling who? G.W.B. is using financial levarage to gain support from one of the poorest regions on earth for hidden agendas. Where was the mighty USA when thousands of people were killed in Rwanda? In a region controlled by dictators there is no chance of any of it reaching the intended people.
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We have to ask ouselves what the USA wants from a region that cannot even produce enough food to feed the people who live there? Maybe they want to "buy" some resources like gold, diamonds, oil and who knows what else?
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Aids is the solution to a lot of problems in Africa eg. education, employment, health care etc. Goverments and NGO's have done more than enough to educate people on Aids. It is a perfectly preventable disease, because it is self-inflicted. Why do you think the South Africa goverment is so slow to react to it? They must see it as Godsent. [ show full text ]
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Prop, Mpumalanga, South Africa 3 Feb 2003
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In order for the deadly disease Aids to actually be minimized, humankind must now learn to do away with sexual promiscuity. We should understand that because genuine love is divine, therefore, we are to strive for faithfulness in our relationships.
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However, we all are happy for the decision Mr. Bush has made to help solve this difficult health problem. The fact is, commitment to one partner is the ultimate solution to the Aids crisis. No amount of money can solve this crisis without the commitment of all of humanity playing a major role in this process. To the younger generation, I say do away with sex before marriage.
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Crayal Vivion Sisuse, Memphis T.N. 3 Feb 2003
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Reading some of these messages I am encouraged by those who welcome and anticipate help, but I'm also not shocked by those suspicious comments who prove that you can walk an extra mile for someone and their own fear hampers them from accepting your generosity, like a wounded and confused animal. It shouldn't be such a monumental task or quantum leap to believe that someone actually cares.
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Craig, Anchorage, AK, USA 3 Feb 2003
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I applaud the fact that President Bush mentioned the Aids problem in Africa and that the US sees it worthwhile to provide funding to those specified countries. I don't know why Zimbabwe is not on the list.
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Being a Zimbabwean myself and having worked for the Zimbabwean Gvt and an International NGO for 17 years of my life in development work, I know that Zimbabwe - with the current political and economic situation - needs to be on the list more than ever; otherwise HIV/Aids will remain a death sentence as no-one can afford the cost of the Aids drugs. Africa will still make headlines and high statisics in HIV/Aids.
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I work as an Outreach Educator/Case for HIV/Aids to the African community here, it is also sad for me right here in the US when I talk to my brothers and sisters who have managed to come to this country (mostly for economic reasons )to get tested and get treated. None wants to know or talk about HIV/Aids because it is still a shameful disease. A lot of people when they find they are sick prefer to go back to Africa and die there. [ show full text ]
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Juliet Sithole, Lowell ,MA USA 3 Feb 2003
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Great caution should be taken in chanelling these funds and/or any resources to assist with the Aids crisis in Africa, to avoid those corrupt officials in most African countries who would want to divert these resources for personal gains.
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Akonyani, Stillwater, U.S.A. 3 Feb 2003
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We shouldn't give them a dime. Last I checked, there still was no cure for Aids so you're just delaying the inevitable.
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Chris, London 3 Feb 2003
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HIV and related illnesses are a global pandemic. You know, as I do, that poor countries are more afected than the richer ones. The causes are manifold, but the most important,in my view is poverty, especially in African society, which hampers the efforts to implant successfully good prevention measures. But, thank God, as long as the leaders of the richest nations, churches, NGOs, are really engaged in this fight, the end of the road of this scourge is coming sooner than later.
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Ralph Belloramos, Drenthe, The Netherlands 3 Feb 2003
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I thank Pres. Bush for the offer to wage war against Aids BUT, in Africa at the moment, that money may not reach the intended group but will be used by the well-to-do and specifically government officials, their families and high-ranking army personnel. What donors must insist on is transparency, and I mean transparency in the real sense. We want to know who has benefited from those donations. Sometimes, I think - and forgive me for that - that the donors MUST halt all support to African countries until the greedy politicians have got their acts right, otherwise, most of the donations are another way of making them richer and richer.
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As far as Aids is concerned, it is not the condoms, it is not the drugs BUT improving moral standards. If we can tell all our children what our parents told us without using many words - only then the war against Aids will be won. For now, without the respect for decency etc, it is the same people who are fortunate enough to get anti-Aids drugs who are infecting other people. Therefore let us go back to the roots - let DECENCY, DIGNITY, HONESTY, RESPECT etc be our daily weapons. [ show full text ]
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Jane M. Olwoch, Pretoria 3 Feb 2003
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I welcomed the President Bush's decision to consider a considerable funds for the scourge of HIV/Aids. This will be very beneficial as long as his proposal translates into an actual funding and that the funding is spread to have a significant impact on the most hit countries.
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I just do not agree with the way he wants to go by distributing the funds, he has picked specific countries as beneficiaries of this assistance. We all know that countries' borders are porous, thus, fixing a problem in one country that affects a couple of adjacent countries will not have signifacnt effect, for the infection will cross over from countries where the problem is not addressed.
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I founded a nonprofit organization last year, the African Salvation Group Corp(http://www.asgroup.org/), following my emotionally intensive readings about this deadly disease and its impact on poor people, particularly sub-Saharan Africans. [ show full text ]
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Felly Katalay, New York, USA 2 Feb 2003
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I have faith in the integrity of President Bush. Yes, his choice to use American dollars to fight African AIDS was probably motivated by politics as well as compassion. Regardless of his reasons, President Bush's initiative will save many lives if it is administered wisely.
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Let's face it. There is a multitude of good causes that would benefit from a large influx of money. Americans have no obligation to help anyone from any foreign country with American tax dollars. Most already owe us more than they can ever repay. We could spend all of our budget on ourselves, but we choose to give to others instead. Why can't people be thankful?
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Penny, USA 2 Feb 2003
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I think the Aids epidemic,(which was man-made) will never change, due to the man's lack of respect for women.
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Monica, USA 2 Feb 2003
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There is so much propaganda about the Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome,I wish the money spent on this will be used to treat those infected, and the familes/children orphaned by this virus.
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Is Aids strictly an African issue? It's as prevailent in the Western world. I believe the Western community should spend time to understand the African people and their cultural diversity; this will, in no small measure, help in finding a lasting solution to the Aids epidemic.The sudden surge in the epidemic is synonymous with economic deprivation suffered in most African countries.
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Rotimi, london 2 Feb 2003
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Republicans usually give money to causes that would most benefit themselves later on. I would make sure that the money goes into helping those who need it as directly as possible, and make sure it doesn't get lost along the way. If only the vast amounts of money spent on weapons could be used to eradicate this deadly disease once and for all now, but this is not possible in this world. I think about people who have Aids a lot and I recommend listening to the artist Diamanda Galas.
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Angie, USA 2 Feb 2003
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I feel the cause of this disease is ignorance on the part of our people. This is because they do not believe that the disease exists in the first place. Many think its a thing of the mind; they say if you don't fear, you wouldn't catch it. In this wise, I implore the goverment to continue the crusade on safe sex, education about STDs and to provide care for those who have already contracted the life-saping disease. Thank-you very much for allowing us share our view.
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Damilola Ogunjobi, Lagos, Nigeria 2 Feb 2003
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This is a most welcome gesture from the U.S. at a difficult time. As to targeting, I find in my work in Malawi that involving local communities with extended families brings support directly to those who need it most. Small-scale community work, in areas that are accessible, where aid can be deliviered with a minimum of interference from war, coups or corruption. Malawi is one such place, and I would encourage providing resources to organisations with expertise within the poorest communities.
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Dr L. Aguilar, St Andrews UK 2 Feb 2003
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I applaud the pledge of funding to help to combat HIV/Aids and in particular, the money being spent on abstinence-based programmes. I do have reservations however about any use of condoms. They are practically useless in preventing pregnancy. There is only a very short window of fertility each cycle and yet condoms have a high failure rate. However sexually transmitted infections can be passed on every day of the year. There is no cure for Aids and those dying from it die a horrible death. Why take any risk? The only true solution is abstinence before and fidelity within marriage. Or for those who don't believe in marriage, abstain, be faithful to a non-infected partner or die! There have never been any tests done with couples people who have Aids using condoms. The reasons are obvious, it is too risky. To promote condoms as being "safe" or even "safer" as they do in the UK, is totally irresponsible and incidentally, the reason for sexually transmitted infections hitting the roof in the UK. A change in behaviour is what is necessary. We are talking about human beings here, not animals. We all have the ability to choose. [ show full text ]
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Monica Burns, Scotland, UK 2 Feb 2003
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Treatment resources will be greatly appreciated; however, serious and effective local, national and international efforts must be committed to prevention/health promotion, especially social-cultural practices, e.g. polygamous sexual relationships that do not empower women to say no to risky demands.
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There should be accessibility, availability, acceptability and affordability of female and male condoms and other safe sexual preventive devices for all age groups, irrespective of social, religious, cultural, gender barriers.
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Sex Education/safe practices should be taught at schools and focus on vulnerable groups - women.
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Yemisi Agunbiade-Sanusi, London, UK 2 Feb 2003
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Not being an American, I really don't have much input into how Bush decides to spend his country's money. All that I know is that where capitalist greed is concerned, not much of the money will reach the intended victims of this disease.
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By the way I spent almost twenty years in various African countries, leaving there in 1987. I can't recall seeing many people with Aids. This disease must have mushroomed in the time since I left. The main killer disease - not only in Africa, incidentally, but all over the world - was malaria. I can't recall any politician spending billions of dollars to defeat that disease. Mayhaps I am prejudiced but I take everything Bush says with a large pinch of salt. Bush and Blair look like starting a world war that would take care of any Aids crisis. [ show full text ]
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George Young, Glasgow, Scotland 2 Feb 2003
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Having worked in Sudan as a development worker assigned to UNAIDS in Khartoum, I would like to make the following suggestions:
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In some countries there might be corruption at very high administrative levels which prevent funds reaching down to the public. This is particularly true in some African countries. It usually has the effect that NGOs are included in proposals but don't get anything - regardless of whether funds are administered through the Global Fund or bilateral programs.
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The only way to avoid this is to introduce at the same time unannounced, on-the-spot controls targeting the beneficiaries directly and inquiring on the location about their programs.
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Countries should get support based upon the efforts they make themselves to combat Aids. There is no point in giving funds to "most affected countries" if their efforts to improve conditions are not really visible, because this might well indicate that the problem of HIV/Aids is only considered as a problem if funds can be obtained for it. [ show full text ]
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Rafaela Bielecki-Weyenberg, Cologne, Germany 2 Feb 2003
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My feeling, and the feelings of many others, is that the developed nations are doing much but this is not good enough.
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Secondly, why do they have to leave out some countries in the sub-region?
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Whoever has a voice should shout it out that immigration officials cannot screen poeple for HIV/Aids.
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Kwame Ekpe, Accra, Ghana 2 Feb 2003
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Aids help, any help to these idiot dictator-run governments is a total waste of money !
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As long as those African people will not help themselves by getting rid of their dictators they deserve the mess they have gotten themselves into.
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All the relief money and supplies will be pirated by the governing cronies and politicos. Isn't it always so ?
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Karlton Kormos, Reno, NV, USA 2 Feb 2003
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I worry about the orphans. Who is going to care for them? I wholeheartedly support President Bush's commitment to send my tax dollars. I wish it were obvious how to adopt an Aids orphan in America.
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KJS, NJ, USA 1 Feb 2003
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The fact that President Bush has pledged additional funds for Aids and openly endorsed the need for treatment as well as prevention in combatting the pandemic is testimony to the extraordinary political pressure building for a meaningful response to Aids, coming not only from activists but also from across the political spectrum. Any additional funds that actually reach those on the frontlines fighting HIV/Aids are welcome. This is therefore potentially a signficant turning point
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That said, the past record of the administration and details of the Bush proposal so far revealed already raise enormous and legitimate doubts about the gap between promises and delivery. While at first only a few organizations stressed the doubts, by today major papers such as the Washington Post and the New York Times are already editorializing about the need to bridge this gap. [ show full text ]
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William Minter, Africa Action, Washington, DC 1 Feb 2003
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Hi, I am a Zimbabwean currently in USA. I am disappointed that Zimbabwe was not included in this new American initiative. We all know Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV infections rate in the world. I guess it is a response to the current political situation in Zimbabwe, but the politicians can afford AIDS drugs and do not even need this type of help. It is the common people in Zimbabwe that need this help and will not get it. Why should they be punished for our politicians?
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My sister and I started a project to assist Aids orphans and educate youth around the world about HIV/Aids. We started it because so many of the productive adults in our village died from Aids. So I can speak about how the common people will only continue to suffer in Zimbabwe. [ show full text ]
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Alexandra Govere, USA 1 Feb 2003
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I am a Zimbabwean and so surprised that looking at the countries mentioned,Zimbabwe is not there, but why? I am living with HIV myself and I worked with organisations that deal direct with people like me. The situation is so terrible, but why does America continue to eliminate us? The statistics tell us that nearly 2000 people die every week of Aids-related illness and there are 300 new infections everyday. Please Mr Bush, help people in my country. I know there are problems back home but we beg you all Americans, we need your help now as well. We are also in Africa.
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Romeo Tshuma, Long beach USA 1 Feb 2003
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The Bush Administration's announcement is important to Africa if only because the continent is desperate for money to reverse this epidemic.
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The Director of Aids Information Centre, Dr. Apuuli, says Uganda needs 150 million US dollars annually to fight the disease even as criticism is mounting on the level of surveilance of both the disease and the money spent on it since the epidemic swept this poor country.
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Beyond the foriegn policy issues that encumber auguments on the announcement being made about Bush's State of the Union address, the reality of increased spending should be understood by the foot soldiers in this epidemic, Ministries of Health, Policy makers, NGO's and Hospital staff, as yet another opportunity to show commitment in preventing further deaths. This actions are what make the difference. [ show full text ]
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Izama Angelo, Kampala Uganda 1 Feb 2003
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Although Bush's rhetoric seemed genuine, it is important for all those interested to keep track of the US budget debate through its eventual passage. Remember that Bush has only proposed this increase in spending. I am skeptical that all of the money promised will actually be allocated within the year's budget, especially since the USA will most likely have its largest deficit in history (and that's BEFORE the 200 billion projected for the war in Iraq!).
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If establishing democracy around the world is the true end-goal of the U.S., it needs to better understand that further support of infrastructure is needed, and that the investment is worth it.
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As history has pointed out over the last 100 years in Europe alone, those who face dire economic straights care not what there gov't is, as long as it's strong enough to provide (e.g. Germany's National Socialists of 1930's & '40's). This idea is a start, but needs to be seen through farther, as a more prosperous African continent would be a wonderous gift to the world, both economically and culturally. Dealing with AIDS as an isolated variable is not the solution. [ show full text ]
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Christopher VanOchten, Portland, OR USA 1 Feb 2003
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Through my personal experience I have seen many people healed through prayer, the power of Jesus Christ. I have seen people with Aids, cancer, brain tumors, blindness, infirmities, pain, back problems, lame walk and many others get healed, including emotional problems. Has this area been checked out? It doesn't cost anything.
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God bless,
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Charles Richards, Pensacola, Fl. USA 1 Feb 2003
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AIDS is a disease of lifestyles, so moral education is essential, along with meds. Thanks to Mr Bush for this startling gift to Africans. Now we shall see if the leaders will spend it wisely or politically.
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How do we get other wealthy countries like France and Germany to also contribute?
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Gabe, Cincinnati, USA 1 Feb 2003
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I strongly believe the Aids endemic has been put out of proportion, taking into consideration the fact that Africa is not alone in this calamity.
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Those who believe that this can be solved by focusing on africa alone are really misplaced. Mr. Bush, get to know that Africa is a haven where everybody from all over visits and I'm sure they all play sex in Africa, hence the spread.
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Mourine Obhai, Nairobi, Kenya 1 Feb 2003
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As I play the Djembe African Drum -I think of a place in time before slavery, and I ask the Ancestors for healing. Healing of the body, mind, and soul. See in your mind - visualize, see the Aids virus burning through space - and see it no longer
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Jerry Priest, Rochester,N.Y. 1 Feb 2003
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I think it is wrong for the president of the USA to single out some countries. The aid should have been given to the African Union (AU). The AU then would have distributed the money fairly. The way I see it is that some political interest is attached to the Aid.
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Otherwise why was Zimbabwe left out?
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Godfrey Warawa, Sydney Australia 1 Feb 2003
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Africa has so many other problems (i.e.- famine, poverty, lack of jobs and family support), as well as diseases. Why does everyone put so much emphasis on the "AIDS" virus that they really aren't trying to cure?
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Maybe more focus should be put on helping with the other problems to keep people from dying over something as simple as not getting enough food, or improper living conditions.
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The U.S. has a problem with Aids ourselves(and suprisingly higher rates among African-Americans)- this is no coincidense!!
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Bush should try to help his own country!
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Diimaliyah Fahrbiakus, Tennessee,USA- 31Jan 2003 31 Jan 2003
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I think people like Ginger need to be educated about the history of Africa, or of the world for that matter. It's not really about who did what when, it's about people starving, people dying of hunger, while Ginger gets the opportunity to play on the Internet and get to say a whole lot of rubbish. I think the US should help with the poverty in Africa rather than go on a costly hunting spree for war. Ginger, you get your tax returns so you're not paying anything to support anybody.
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N.M, Chicago,IL 31 Jan 2003
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As an African American living with Aids, I believe that Pres. Bush's epiphany concerning Aids, period, not just Aids in Africa, is "a day late and a dollar short", at best. I wonder just how much of this aid is going to those who actually need it, given the corrupt, self-serving beaurocracies that exist on both continents. More than one person is going to get a new Mercedes out of this.
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Marie O, US 31 Jan 2003
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I agree with some of the writers that Bush might have a sudden political plan by aiding AIDS in Africa, you have to be suspicious.
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But yes, there is poverty in southern africa, but poverty is not about sleeping around, although it might psychologically cause people to not care. The main problem is
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1)Sex education, and lack of contraceptives. Countries like Zimbabwe have 70+% of its population in the rural areas, where education is not considered that important. The only way to avoid Aids is to abstain from sex because family planning clinics are so far you have to walk miles and miles to get to one.
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2)Enough family planning clinics built closer, if not, have nurses in the neighborhood who can provide condoms and such... [ show full text ]
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N.M, Chicago,IL USA 31 Jan 2003
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I am by no means an expert, but I think that the best long-term solution to HIV/Aids is adequate sanitation in hospitals. One major cause of HIV/Aids is from sharing needles. Clean needles will prevent more cases.
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Also, the governments of Africa need to recongnize the connection between HIV and Aids and fund projects! Yes, they are short of money but this should be their biggest priority.
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Jacob, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 31 Jan 2003
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I believe there are millions of humble minds in the midst of the Aids crisis in Africa. To me, that translates into hope; without hope people perish. I think those of us from Africa will appreciate the debate in this forum but really, steer away from arrogance.
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Leonard Ntaate Mukasa, Little Rock , Arkansas 31 Jan 2003
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I'd like to know how much each of the governments of the major economies is spending each year on research and development on Aids and malaria?
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Also what fraction this is of the GDP?
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A table which you could send to numerous sites would be very useful.
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Here in the UK the House of Commons Library couldn't tell me the answers for the UK when I asked them. Not good.
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Ian Mordant, London UK 31 Jan 2003
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The latest Bush proposal of $15bn over the next 5 years is a wonderful start, if the money actually reaches the people in need. My research has shown that the US has decided to remove their education awareness and condom distribution programs in Africa and replace them with large donations to pharmaceutical & reseach facilities in the US - is this humanitarian AID or Reaganomics - trickle-down effect...
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These large pharmaceutical companies already make enormous profits from the developed countries, creating drugs which allow old men to have sex must surely add global value beyond saving millions of lives!
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Global governance should require international companies - who sponge off the materialistic, selfish, ignorant minds of the west, to give back to the communities who suffer from our greed! [ show full text ]
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Heather, Portland, OR 31 Jan 2003
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I believe that in order to make a difference this money should be disbursed to all African countries to prevent the infection of HIV/AIDS and help those suffering from it today.
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U Of A student , Tucson, Arizona 31 Jan 2003
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Two major issues. First, the monies being promised now ought to be released very soon as a way of re-asserting credibility and respect on the part of the U.S. This will bring immediate, quick psychological relief to the people of the African continent, as just knowing that the world cares is important. Then of course, the physical relief (health benefits) that follows will recreate newness, change, and renewed hope in life and living.
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Second, those who see the pledged billions as a way of enriching themselves must begin to rethink their priorities. Africa has reached a point where the people must be led to believe and respect true and equalitarian representation. For a while now, there is this huge divide between those who rise up and assume leadership, and those who are governed. When those who are represented are led to believe that status quo behavior of leaders impoverishing the people is the paradigm, then even those who have good intentions among the general population may be confused as to what ought to be the crucial meaningfulness of utilizing these funds appropriately. [ show full text ]
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T.Y. Okosun, Chicago, IL., U.S.A. 31 Jan 2003
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Well, if President Bush meant it from his heart not from his head, $15bn is a drop in the basket in his government's spending for unnecessary war. Like someone says, the devil is in the details. He always makes promises, such as visiting Africa, helping Africans in economic development and trade. All talk, not action. I believe it when I see his policy in action.
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I give him credit for reading it in State of the Union major policy speech. [But] it is also a reflection of what white people like him think about all Africans. That is the root of racism in its best exclamation, [describing] Black/Africans and Caribbeans as aid/disease-ravaged people.
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You see, he did not talk about the economic development and investment in Africa. He did not talk about the natural and human wealth of the 700 million strong Africans. [ show full text ]
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Harry Massele, Philadelphia, Pa, USA 31 Jan 2003
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Why should the US pay billions to Africa? My mother fed their mothers... The solution to Africa has not been, and will not be, to simply throw more money at it... it is a black hole for American tax dollars. It is not that I lack compassion but I am frustrated and angry about more money being poured into programs that have been funded for years without any significant change.
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Africans are the beggars of the world. If Bush is arrogant, what about Africa? Now they DEMAND their alms on the basis of some past version of history.
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I believe historically that the money, no matter how noble the cause, is wasted on Africa and better spent in the US. How about bailing out the States that are bankrupt? Can anyone tell me why we should give more aid to be appropriated by "gangs" masquerading as governments to pay for arms and oppression, or be eaten by "administrative costs" of aid agencies? Money has not solved Africa's problems and nore money isn't going to change that fact... or anything else. [ show full text ]
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Ginger, USA 31 Jan 2003
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I believe Aids can be fought if four key issues are addressed.
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1. Poverty: when people are too poor and hopeless, it is very easy to switch their minds to anything unhonorable. In my country, people resort to sexual practices and boozing because there are no jobs and what they have as jobs are very hopeless.
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2. Education: we can increase Aids awareness tremendously if people attain some level of education. I believe funds should target Free Education at all levels in Africa.
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3. Women: if we have to eradicate AIDS, then much focus must be put on ways of uplifting the standards of women. Believe me or not, many women just choose to "sleep" with a man because he can or will do something [they can] depend on for a couple of days. Survival for today limits their focus for a day after. So projects to self-sustain women will play a vital role. [ show full text ]
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Cyrus Seera Ssebugenyi, Rotterdam, Netherlands 31 Jan 2003
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I think that we should put all of our money together and build the kids a home. I feel really bad for them.
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Mike Lohr, Butler, 31 Jan 2003
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My feelings about this sad issue are that we must help everyone in Africa with the Aids virus live with dignity and proper health care. It is so terrible to see that your own people are being turned away from doctors or hospitals and left alone to die.
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We must find a way to help Africa. I am a Cuban-American and am blessed to live in my country. What kind of human would I be if I turned my back on another human who was stricken with this disease...
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Mandela says Mr. Bush is wanting a holocaust; I beg to differ, your own people are dying and no-one cares. There is the holocaust right before his eyes. We care, we are humans who care about all life. Tell Mr. Mandela to look in his own backyard and help his own before he speaks out against others, and calls us racist. [ show full text ]
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Susan Farinas, Miami, Florida, USA 31 Jan 2003
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Coming from Africa, I think the spread of Aids is accelerated by high levels of poverty. This is sad because even in (some African)countries which are said to be well off (not many though), there is a big gap between the poor and the rich, and in such countries as much as 50% of the population is living under the poverty datum line! What can be done in these instances?I think fighting Aids alone won't help without looking at socio-economic factors which (may) mainly put those poorer people at high risk of getting Aids.
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Simon, Leeds,UK 31 Jan 2003
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Living with HIV for 7 years now, I believe additional funds for the fight of HIV/Aids should be directed to the following areas:
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1. Access to free treatment and anti-viral therapy to all the infected regardless.
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2. Education and empowerment of women.
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3. Abolition of certain customs and taboos like wife inheritance, accepting the fact that one is positive instead of blaming it on witchcraft.
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4. Give love and encouragement to the victims instead of stigmatising them, establish recreational centres etc. People like me need acceptence in the society.
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5. Finally to those who are not yet infected, this is where the biggest work is required. Invest in all ways/resources possible to prevent new infections.
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"Barbara", Oslo, Norway 31 Jan 2003
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The announcement came as quite a surprise to me because almost everything I've been reading about the U.S. these past few weeks has been to do with Iraq.
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I hope this windfall assistance does not have anything to do with the US seeking support from Africa for its Iraq policy - because if that were the case, then there would probably be no help coming from the U.S. if there were no war.
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Simon Kaheru, Kampala, Uganda 31 Jan 2003
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There has been talk and proof of the fact that Africans are on the verge of making a breakthrough to make available a vaccine for HIV.
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Most of these billions of dollars pledged by developed countries should be channeled towards assisting and promoting the research of these dedicated researchers. This would help us provide an immediate and long-term solution to this problem.
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Takeh Sendze, Tanzania 31 Jan 2003
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A spurious ploy to convince the Africans and other desperate people around the world that the U.S. cares.
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Kwame Koramoah, Sydney, Australia 31 Jan 2003
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HIV/Aids is a killer disease, that has to be fought with the maximum force possible to reduce its adverse impact on the global economy, particularly in Africa.
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The gesture by President Bush is welcome and highly commendable, let's commit our energies, capacity and technology to defeat Aids. The seed is sown, watch for the wild birds and pool more resources for the benefit of mankind - surely victory is ours.
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Daniel Kagina, Boston, MA, USA 31 Jan 2003
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The U.S. President may be playing politics with Aids in Africa unless the funds promised are released for drug purchases at lower prices in South Africa, for example. Otherwise, it is a convenient gift to giant US pharmaceutical companies that backed his election campaign two years ago.
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Dr. Max Muma, New York, USA 30 Jan 2003
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The true cause and origin of HIV/Aids can be found within the United States government. It was the Special Virus Program of the CIA that initially created AIDS as a means of racial and political genocide. This horrible lie has been further propagated by corporate pharmacutical interests. The complicity of Western media has also been an ally of this diabolical fraud perpetrated by the American Military Industrial complex.
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In order to end this dreaded lie - so-called "AIDS" - we must expose the truth of its origins. As well we must understand the toxic nature of it's "treatment".
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Dr. V.S. Proudfoot, Canada 30 Jan 2003
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More aid, medicine and condoms will not help Africa's Aids woes, so African Governments should first adopt a system that has a clear and open policy. One step will be requiring all tourists and visitors to Africa having identification cards which will be given by African jurisdiction, identifying if they are positive or negative. (Why are the most infected nations in Africa safe havens for tourists?)
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Adan, Abdirahman, Minneapolis, USA 30 Jan 2003
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I think the worst affected countries should get more but then, it should be in form of pharmaceutical sharing. An appropiate body would do the purchase of all the medicine and then share it [between] the more affected nations. By sharing the money, the most affected people may not even benefit from the scheme.
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rass, germany 30 Jan 2003
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A MUCH WELCOME CONTRIBUTION BY THE US. Although the motivations may have been purely political. Remember the anouncement about the US rejoining UNESCO during the Bush speech before the UN in October? That was thrown in the middle of a big war speech as well, wasn't it?
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thandeka, USA 30 Jan 2003
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Having worked in Africa,as a medical doctor I believe any additional fund for the fight against HIV/Aids should be channelled to address the following areas:
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1) Poverty - improving the lot of the African people i.e job creation
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2) Improve education/empowerment of women
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3) Access to treatment/supporting structures for HIV/Aids patients.
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Dr Charles Effiom, Leeds, U.K 30 Jan 2003
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The president's statement as a watershed moment in U.S. policy. While applauding a more forceful response to the Aids crisis, it is important to note that the devil is in the details - how the policy will be implemented.
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We do have several major concerns.
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First, there appears to be a slow phase-in, with only $1.7 billion due to be released this year. That's a small percentage of the total amount, and we fear it is indicative of slow phase-in generally, which would be both unjustified and tragic, in view of the magnitude of the crisis, which President Bush so eloquently described.
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Second, we're not sure whether this really is new money. The administration will present its budget next week, and the details should show whether these would be additional funds or would come from cutting other important programs. In the past, more funding for Aids has come at the cost of cuts in child-survival expenditures and other important development programs. [ show full text ]
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Dr. Paul Zeitz, executive director of the Global Aids Alliance 29 Jan 2003
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