Annan Calls for Action on Basic Health Needs in Fighting HIV/AIDS, Accepts Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Award
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Saturday at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition's Chicago headquarters said that the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa "hinges on" attention to education, gender equality and basic health needs, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Annan, who spoke after accepting the organization's global unity award, added that HIV/AIDS will not be defeated "until we have also won the battle for basic health care, safe drinking water and sanitation." Annan added, "I have brought to your attention these goals of the United Nations because I believe they concern us all -- Africans, African Americans, Americans, any citizens whatsoever. We cannot stand idly by and witness the destruction caused by the scourges of poverty, AIDS, conflict and intolerance. We are united by this bond, men, women, black and white ... and I'm confident that the world will be better for it if we work in partnership." Fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases is one of the U.N. Millenium Declaration's eight goals. The Rev. Jesse Jackson presented Annan with the award, calling him a "leader for the reconciliation of violence and world peace" (Fuller, Chicago Sun-Times, 6/23).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.