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Spreading the good news

In contrast to all the dismal news emanating from Canada and Ireland, generally of the political kind, it is refreshing to acknowledge the good that both countries are doing to assist in combating the spread of HIV AIDS in Africa.

The story is simple. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton was pressed at the international anti-AIDS conference held in Barcelona in 2002 to help establish a public health care system in the Caribbean, more specifically in St. Kitts and Nevis. He agreed.

At the time he had no idea how to go about the task. His solution was the establishment of the Clinton Foundation, and soon afterwards he was approached by representatives of the African states of Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tanzania to include them in his efforts.

Now the Foundation has succeeded in having four drug companies, three in India and one in South Africa, agree to reduce the price of anti-AIDS drugs by a third.

But, says Clinton, his initiative only got going thanks to the generosity of Canada and Ireland.

In an interview with Time magazine, he paid thanks to the governments of both countries for offering to fund two of the projects in Africa.

Clinton's close association with Ireland, leading to the historic Good Friday Agreement and the establishment of the democratic process in the Six Counties, and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's tireless work on behalf of disadvantaged peoples in America and elsewhere, show the kinder side of an America that is often criticized for putting self interest to the fore in its global relationships.

Good news deserves to be proclaimed wherever and whenever it happens.

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