George W Bush announced on Wednesday that he would be seeking $30 billion dollars to fight HIV/AIDS around the world. This is double the current amount. In fact, in his address from the Rose Garden, he called the $15 billion they are spending an “emergency fund”. Contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS has been a “big deal” for his administration and has made a difference in the lives of many in Africa.

With the proposed increase in spending, they hope to provide treatment for nearly 2.5 million people, to prevent more than 12 million new infections, and to support providing care for 12 million people, including more than 5 million orphans and vulnerable children.

Laura Bush is traveling to Africa this month to get updates on the programs the US government – and you the taxpayers – are helping to support. She will be visiting Zambia (dang! I will just miss her!), Mali, Mozambique and Senegal. Speaking of his wife, President Bush said:

“I really thank her for her concern about HIV/AIDS. She and I share a passion. We believe strongly that to whom much is given, much is required. Much has been given to the United States of America. Therefore, I believe strongly, as does she, that much is required of us in helping solve this problem.”

According to the US State Department, Bush's new plan would continue HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care, and expand efforts to strengthen health systems and leverage programs that address malaria, tuberculosis, child and maternal health, clean water, food and nutrition, education and other needs. They will be combining with NGO's and with local governments in partnerships to reach the most people and do the most good possible. The focus countries for this aid are Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guyana, Haiti, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia.

All politics aside, I think it's a fabulous thing. Does the HIV/AIDS situation in Africa need more than $30 billion can “fix”? Undoubtedly. But it is ALREADY financially the largest international health initiative focused on a single disease. HIV/AIDS has become a “chronic illness” in the US, rather than a terminal illness, as it still is for the majority of those infected with it in the rest of the world. Interest in adopting HIV+ children is on the rise, for multiple reasons, I'm sure, but one strong reason is that you can very literally save that child's life. Is that the only reason you “should” adopt? Nope - but it can be one reason.

Even if you decide you are not comfortable adopting a child that is HIV+, YOU personally can make a difference in the lives of African children who are positive. Contribute to Layla House. Sponsor a child through Layla House, or one of a number of other organizations that support children who are HIV+. This is one instance where even a little bit can save a life. Kudos to the US government for their efforts and kudos to all the many individuals out there making a difference every day.