First Lady Laura Bush Tours Haiti

First Lady Laura Bush visited Port-au-Prince, Haiti last Thursday to discuss health care issues and support education. This trip marked the first time in 10 years that a U.S. First Lady has visited Haiti.

Upon her arrival, the First Lady toured an HIV/AIDS research center and talked with staff as well as three HIV-positive teenagers. Bush urged the people of Haiti to "be tested, to find out what your HIV status is, because you can go on antiretrovirals and be healthy and live a healthy, positive life."

During a speech at the HIV/AIDS research center, Bush called on Congress to keep the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from expiring this year. Bush said that she wants the American people to know that PEPFAR money does not only go to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, but also to two countries in the Western Hemisphere: Haiti and Guyana. Bush said she feels "very encouraged" that the United States Congress will reauthorize the PEPFAR plan for many years to come. "This is a very important commitment on the part of the people of the United States," Bush said.

First Lady Bush also discussed education during her visit to Haiti. She visited an education center funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where the staff there are working to lower the nearly 50% illiteracy rate in Haiti. Bush said that only by teaching Haitians to read and write can they then receive vocational training and get a job. "I think it is really important for students to realize they need to keep going, to study more, and really compete in school," Bush said.

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International Child Care also works to improve health care and education in Haiti through Grace Children's Hospital, which not only provides care to children with tuberculosis, but also provides medical support and antiretroviral treatments to patients living with HIV/AIDS. A significant portion of International Child Care's HIV/AIDS program is funded by PEPFAR.

International Child Care also offers two adult literacy classes in thirteen shantytowns and nine rural communities twice per year. These programs offer support, hope, and ultimately sustainable means for the people of Haiti to better support themselves and their communities.

To support the ministries of International Child Care, make a donation today.