Washington, DC — The African Ambassadors and the entire African Diplomatic Corps in the United States are united in their efforts to highlight the urgency for action against the impending menace of HIV/AIDS.

More than 30 million people have died from AIDS in the last two decades, nearly as many as the entire population of South Africa. An additional 40 million people are infected with the virus, mostly in Africa and the Caribbean. If nothing changes, this tragic situation will become much worse by the end of the decade. We need the help of the American people and the international community to turn back this disease.

President Bush's proposed Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is an important, aggressive step forward in this effort. We hope that the Senate will take up and pass the House Bill and stop the spiral of this killer.

We, the African Ambassadors, hope that the U.S. Senate will soon give President Bush the authority and funding to put his plan fully into effect. Every day, another 14 000 people are infected, and another 8 500 die. Time is of the essence.

America must send an unwavering signal to he rest of the world that action by all countries is needed in the war against AIDS.

For more information, contact: H.E. Mrs. Mary Madzandza Kanya, Ambassador of Swaziland, Telephone: (202) 234-5002.