NYT: Bill Clinton makes lasting mark in global fight against AIDS

[DeepModem Mom]

Clinton Makes Up for Lost Time in Battling AIDS
By CELIA W. DUGGER
Published: August 29, 2006

RWINKWAVU, Rwanda — Bill Clinton worked the crowd of AIDS survivors, clasping the outstretched hands of children alive because of the AIDS medicines his foundation donated.

Inside the rural hospital here that he recently helped renovate, where Rwandans were hunted down and killed during the genocide he regrets he didn’t try to stop as president, Mr. Clinton heard people once skeletal from AIDS tell of their resurrections to robust health.

Since he left office more than five years ago at age 54, one of the youngest former presidents ever, Mr. Clinton has made a lasting mark in a cause that he came to only late in his presidency: fighting the AIDS pandemic across Africa and the world.

Few public figures in America have spawned as much speculation about what motivates them as Mr. Clinton. Abroad, even fewer inspire the affectionate reception Mr. Clinton received as he raced across seven African countries in eight days in July. Crowds at roadsides and in hospitals wanted to touch him — and he obliged by shaking hands, kissing babies and hugging people with AIDS.

Here on Mr. Clinton’s fourth visit to Rwanda, it was clear the efforts by his foundation had personal meaning. He said he was sorry his administration failed to intervene during the 1994 genocide. “The United States just blew it in Rwanda,” he said flatly. Paul Kagame, Rwanda’s president, said he had accepted Mr. Clinton’s repeated apologies....

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/29/health/29clinton.html?ei=5094&en=720eac1cc9d5f199&hp=&ex=1156824000&partner=homepage&pagewanted=all

[knowbody0]

1. a man of his word

[MasonJar]

2. Bill Clinton is a truly incredible human being; he has such a big

heart and so much energy for good.