Denomination recognized for its contribution
to malaria and HIV/AIDS relief

Southern Baptists' efforts in addressing malaria and HIV/AIDS were acknowledged by President Bush during their recent annual meeting in San Antonio. Here's an excerpt from the President's greeting via satellite:

I thank the Southern Baptists who are working to promote a culture of life abroad by helping lead the fight against malaria and HIV/AIDS. Southern Baptists run hospitals and provide medical care to many suffering from malaria and HIV/AIDS across Africa. In Uganda, Southern Baptists sponsor an abstinence program called True Love Waits. And thanks to efforts like yours, Uganda has made progress against HIV/AIDS. And now you're building on the success by expanding this important program to six more countries in Africa.



My administration shares your sense of urgency in the fight against these terrible diseases. And that's why we created a $1.2 billion malaria initiative to provide protection to people in some of the most heavily affected countries in Africa. So far we have helped more than 10 million Africans, and we expect to reach a total of 30 million people by the end of 2007.

We're also combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. In 2003, my administration launched a $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. And thanks to the generosity of the American people, and support in Congress, we have supported lifesaving treatment for 1.1 million people infected with HIV in some of the poorest nations on Earth.



This program makes a huge difference in saving lives. And so, last month, I asked Congress to double our initial commitment and provide an additional $30 billion for HIV/AIDS prevention treatment and care over the next five years. And the reason why is, is because I firmly believe, like Southern Baptists believe who are working to raise awareness about the suffering that takes place in the world, that to whom much is given much is required. And by dealing with disease, infectious diseases, we can make the world a better place, and that helps us here at home.

Learn how to get your church involved in HIV/AIDS ministry at the 2007 Global Summit on AIDS and the Church: Nov. 28-30; Youth Summit: Dec. 1, at Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, Calif. Learn more >> | The HIV/AIDS Caring Community would love to know how your church and denomination are addressing HIV/AIDS. Please share your story >>