Mrs. Bush visited the Mututa Memorial Center, supported by a World Vision-led coalition to curb AIDS and malaria.

July 3, 2007

Fresh from her interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," first lady Laura Bush said on June 28 in Lusaka, Zambia, that the keys to turning the tide against malaria and AIDS are dedicated volunteers and strategic partnerships.

Successful, Unprecedented Partnership

As an example, Mrs. Bush cited the commitment of thousands of Zambian volunteers who are strengthened by "… an unprecedented partnership between governments, business and religious groups to reduce the suffering caused by HIV/AIDS and malaria."

Mrs. Bush was speaking at the Mututa Memorial Center, which is supported by a consortium of humanitarian agencies, including the World Vision-led RAPIDS (Reaching HIV/AIDS Affected People with Integrated Development and Support) coalition. RAPIDS has assembled a vast network of more than 12,000 volunteer caregivers to tackle the twin epidemics in this hard-hit country.

Mututa staff members help to train and support AIDS caregivers in Chainda, a community near Zambia's capital, Lusaka. Center volunteers are also assisting with the distribution of 500,000 mosquito bed nets, to be made available to Zambia's households that are most vulnerable to malaria.

Success Story: One of Many

Home-based care, access to treatment and "the determination of citizens throughout Zambia" helps make possible the daily miracles of rescuing dying people, said Mrs. Bush, who then told the story of Esnart Banda, a woman who was cared for by Leontina, a World Vision caregiver from Mututa.

In 2004, Leontina happened upon Esnart, as the caregivers were going door-to-door to see if people needed medical attention. Mrs. Bush told the audience:

"Leontina and her fellow caregivers bathed Esnart and tenderly cleaned her sores. They gave her blankets and a jacket. They encouraged her to get tested for HIV. And when she learned she was positive, they provided her with antiretroviral treatment. Soon after she went on the medicines, Esnart found the energy she hadn't felt for ages. With money she received from Mututa, she started a business … 'Before, I didn't have the strength,' she explains. 'But now, I can do whatever I need to.' Her transformation, she says, 'was a miracle.'

"Today, Esnart belongs to a support group that encourages other people in her community to get tested for HIV. Stigma remains a silent but powerful opponent in the fight against HIV/AIDS," concluded Mrs. Bush, "but these women are living proof that a diagnosis is not a death sentence."

Host of the event, World Vision's Bruce Wilkinson, chief of the RAPIDS coalition, agreed. "This type of story is repeated over and over with our 12,000 trained and equipped caregivers going out everyday to assist those in need," said Wilkinson.

		Daily Miracles Joining Mrs. Bush at the Mututa facility were daughter Jenna Bush, Zambian first lady Maureen Mwanawasa, and "American Idol" finalist Melinda Doolittle, where they participated in an assembly line to create Caregiver Kits and pack bed nets for distribution. The bed nets are supplied by the President's Malaria Initiative and the Global Business Coalition, and will be distributed by the thousands of volunteer caregivers assembled by RAPIDS.
INTERACTIVE Watch video of first lady Laura Bush discussing World Vision's Caregiver Kits during her visit to Africa. (Video courtesy of CBN News)

'Revolutionary Aid'

"This is a day to celebrate the commitment of our 12,000 volunteer caregivers who, on a weekly basis, visit more than 180,000 homes, bringing hope and practical assistance to those struggling with the impact of HIV/AIDS and malaria," Wilkinson added.

Since its founding in 2004, RAPIDS has become a model of how home-based care is revolutionizing aid in rural Africa. The program is funded by a $57 million commitment from the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The coalition includes:

World Vision Africare CARE International

Catholic Relief Services Expanded Church Response The Salvation Army