Harvard AIDS Institute Chooses Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo To Receive 2002 AIDS Leadership Award
The Harvard AIDS Institute on Wednesday granted its 2002 AIDS Leadership Award to Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Xinhua News Agency reports. The award is presented each year to a leader whose work in fighting global AIDS "has displayed outstanding vision, leadership and courage," according to Xinhua. Max Essex, chair of the Harvard AIDS Institute, said that the seriousness of Obasanjo's commitment has spurred others to confront the epidemic. "The president's leadership in addressing the epidemic is truly remarkable because he has consistently encouraged candid dialogue on HIV while working tirelessly to mobilize resources both in Nigeria and internationally," Essex said. While accepting the award, Obasanjo called for increased measures to combat the epidemic in Nigeria, saying, "I accept this award on behalf of the millions of affected Africans, as this will spur me to do more to the afflicted, infected and affected ... and the millions who are vulnerable." Obsanjo is the 12th person to receive the award (Xinhua News Agency, 2/20).
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