AIDS leadership to be showcased in Washington

An upcoming conference in Washington could see Botswana's President Festus Mogae showcase his country's efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Mogae personally declared war on HIV/AIDS a couple of years ago, and Botswana has since proved that political leadership played a critical role in the AIDS battle. According to the local Daily News Online service, the president is expected to highlight the country's major achievements in promoting HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment over the past three years. A statement released prior to the conference, which begins on 12 November, said apart from examining the global challenges of HIV/AIDS, the gathering would also discuss US President George Bush’s US $15 billion global programme for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in the developing world. Botswana is among 12 African countries that will benefit from Bush's five-year plan.