Laura Bush becoming 'public face' of U.S. commitment to fight HIV/AIDS

First lady Laura Bush is becoming the "public face" of the U.S. government commitment to fight HIV/AIDS and address other humanitarian and social issues, the Washington Post reports.

According to the Post, Laura Bush is adopting the role of a "high-profile" ambassador for the president's social and humanitarian agenda, and seven international trips she has taken without President Bush have given her an "up-close" look at HIV/AIDS, the repression of women and human rights abuses around the world.

Laura Bush has "been the face of ... the U.S. government commitment on AIDS, on human rights, on democracy," Anita McBride, Laura Bush's chief of staff, said, adding, "she's been a voice for the commitments that the U.S. government is making on these issues."

Laura Bush on Tuesday at the United Nations was briefed by health experts and relief organization officials concerning sex trafficking, the illicit drug trade and health and human rights abuses in Myanmar.

Laura Bush on Wednesday is scheduled to address the Clinton Global Initiative and on Thursday is scheduled to receive an international award, the Post reports (Fletcher, Washington Post, 9/20).