Political leaders, celebrities come together for World AIDS Day event

Dec 3 2011

"A star-studded array of political and religious leaders -- from President Obama to rock legend Bono to AIDS activist Kay Warren -- came together Thursday for World AIDS Day to call for an entirely AIDS-free generation by 2015," the Washington Post reports, adding, "The event was sponsored by ONE and (RED)," both of which were co-founded by Bono (Kuhn, 12/1). "Former President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton, as well as Tanzania President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, telecom magnate Carlos Slim of Mexico, and singer/songwriter Elton John also joined the two-hour-long talkfest via video satellite link," ScienceInsider writes (Cohen, 12/1).

According to the Washington Post, "The speakers at the event, called 'The Beginning of the End of AIDS,' said that the science and medicine needed to eliminate AIDS already exists; all that is needed is for governments and individuals to fully commit themselves to that goal" (12/1). The Los Angeles Times' "Booster Shots" blog highlights a number of ways in which various organizations acknowledged the day, "some with proclamations about funding and AIDS awareness" (Stein, 12/1).