Council on Africa, New Affiliate to Promote AIDS Relief

The Corporate Council on Africa has announced the creation of an affiliate to promote President Bush's $15 billion emergency AIDS relief plan for Africa. Co-chaired by former Reps. J.C. Watts and Eva Clayton, the Coalition for AIDS Relief in Africa (CARA) will organize the corporate community, in addition to nonprofits and representatives of African nations, in a campaign to secure passage of Bush's plan.

Mary Kanya, ambassador to the United States from Swaziland and current dean of the African Ambassadors AIDS Caucus, will serve as vice chair representing the African nations, and Julius Coles, president of Africare, will represent the non-profit community as vice chair.

"Caring and conscientious citizens from all walks of life, including those representing the member companies of the Corporate Council on Africa, have been working tirelessly for years to alleviate the suffering brought on by AIDS," said Stephen Hayes, Corporate Council on Africa president. Hayes commended Bush for responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by AIDS.

Acknowledging the differences of opinion as to how best achieve the goal of HIV/AIDS relief in Africa, Watts said putting people before politics is crucial to the American effort. "From the cities to the suburbs to the rural areas, this coalition will increase America's awareness of the suffering and catastrophic loss of life and productivity brought on by AIDS in Africa, and the steps needed to end the pain," said Watts.

The Corporate Council on Africa is the top American nonprofit organization committed to enhancing trade and investment relations between the United States and the 53 African nations. Almost 85 percent of all U.S. private sector investment in Africa comes from the American companies that comprise the Corporate Council on Africa.

Back to other CDC news for April 11, 2003

Previous Updates