Obama Lauds Bush On AIDS

President-elect Barack Obama today offered kind words for President Bush's work on AIDS in Africa in videotaped remarks to the Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health.

At the Washington DC forum marking the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, Obama said he "salute[s] President Bush for his leadership in crafting a plan for AIDS relief in Africa and backing it up with funding dedicated to saving lives and preventing the spread of the disease."

The president-elect vowed to "continue this critical work to address the crisis around the world."

In his remarks, Obama noted that 20 years ago, "many refused to even acknowledge the existence of this disease, let alone the devastating impact it was having on families and communities around the world."

He said that while significant progress had been made, "we must also recommit ourselves to addressing the AIDS crisis here in the United States with a strong national strategy of education, prevention and treatment, focusing on those communities at greatest risk."

"This strategy must be based on the best available science and built on the foundation of a strong health care system," Obama added.

He then referenced Apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthians, asking, "if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?"