The GW SMHS was part of an event that took place on the GW Campus to mark World AIDS Day 2011. ONE and (RED) hosted this event to recognize reaching “the beginning of the end of AIDS.” Major progress has been made in the last 10 years in the fight against global AIDS thanks in large part to US leadership, and now new scientific discoveries hold great promise for reducing infection rates. If the world comes together over the next few years, we could finally see the beginning of the end of the AIDS pandemic, but only if a broad coalition – government and activists, business and faith leaders – comes together to build on the progress already made.
President Barack Obama, President George W. Bush (via satellite in Tanzania), President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania (via satellite in Tanzania), President Bill Clinton (via satellite), and Dr. Sanjay Gupta – Neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent provided remarks. Dr. Gupta also served as moderator of a panel discussion took place.
Panelists included: Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), Bono – Lead Singer of U2 and Co-Founder of ONE and (RED), Alicia Keys – Artist and Co-Founder of Keep a Child Alive (KCA), Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah – Director of PMTCT Clinic at Tema Hospital in Accra, Ghana, Florence Ngobeni -- HIV Educator and Ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and Kay Warren – Founder, HIV & AIDS Initiative, Saddleback Church.
The work of GW faculty and students, including Dean of the School of Public Health and Health Services Dr. Lynn Goldman; two faculty members who are leaders in the fight against HIV and AIDS, Dr. Alan Greenberg and Dr. Gary Simon; and Student representatives of the ONE chapter at George Washington, were mentioned in GW President Knapp's welcoming remarks.
