Clinton Speaks About AIDS in South Africa at Team Harmony Rally
Speaking by satellite to the 7th annual Team Harmony Rally, a youth leadership event, President Clinton responded to a question posed by a 15-year old South African boy on how he would advise African youth in solving the problem of AIDS. Clinton noted the United States' "dramatic increase" in international AIDS program funding, but added that the "youth of South Africa have a critical role as well," as the disease is "100% preventable." First, he said, "[y]ou must educate yourselves and educate others and talk about this disease no matter how hard it is." He also stressed the importance of staying in school and receiving a good education and learning skills that "increase your country's productivity," as the "AIDS issue and the economic issue are related. Money the government has to spend on AIDS is money that can't be spent on education and economic development. And if you lose large numbers of a whole generation, they won't be out there in their working years, contributing to the wealth and strength of your country." In the meantime, he said that the United States and African nations will continue to work on care, "making medicine more affordable, on prevention, on a cure" (White House release, 12/6).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.