Speaking yesterday in the midst of a war with Iraq, former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda challenged his audience to consider another battle: the fight against AIDS.
"There is another battle by which we need to rally behind," Kaunda said, "a battle that threatens the leaders of the world and humanity."
AIDS is not an African problem but a problem across the world, Kaunda said during his lecture, "HIV/AIDS and Africa: Challenges Ahead."
Currently the Balfour African president in residence at Boston University's African Presidential Archives and Research Center (APARC), Kaunda has devoted his life to fighting HIV and AIDS in Africa. During his one-year residency at APARC, Kaunda has the opportunity to travel the nation and meet with business leaders, government officials, teachers and students.
Kaunda opened his address with a classic spiritual song followed by a brief biblical quote. "Love thy neighbor," Kaunda said, adding that "neighbor means everyone." He went on to explain that just as the word "neighbor" does not specify gender, race, religion or age, neither does HIV. "Everyone is directly or indirectly affected by AIDS," he said.
In Africa, Kaunda said, a 15-year-old boy has a 90 percent chance of dying from an AIDS related disease. However, Kaunda — who from 1964 to 1991 was the first president of the Republic of Zambia — believes the plague can be restrained.
"I wish the energy and resources put into war would be used to fight against HIV," he said, encouraging people to push the Bush administration to come forward with promised anti-AIDS campaign money.
Prevention
"Prevention is better than cure," Kaunda said, stressing that abstinence and condom use must be taught. But in a religious society, he said, these topics do not come easily.
"Acknowledging the disease is the first great step," he said.
Living by example, a number of years ago Kaunda and his wife decided not to cover up the fact that their son died of AIDS.
Kaunda was tested for AIDS "so that my actions would be an example for the rest of my brothers and sisters," he said.
If others take the example to heart, he said, the transmission of AIDS could be avoided.
But there is another problem, Kaunda said: Africa does not have the money or resources for HIV treatment.
Access to healthcare
Africa is suffering from reduced access to healthcare, Kaunda said, stating that healthcare costs are rising as incomes are decreasing.
"There is also a lack of medical equipment, a lack of access to basic needs such as syringes and sterile environments," he said. "And blood for transfusions is not properly tested."
Kaunda said he feels that even lack of nutrition and sanitation are leading causes of the overwhelming rate of AIDS in Africa, pointing to foreign economic policies as a cause of inadequate food access.
"Nutrition is a key to healing," Kaunda said. "Studies show that an HIV patient who is well-fed can live a healthy life."
Other factors
In reference to current AIDS movements in Africa, Kaunda said, "Locals [Africans] don't design anti-HIV campaigns, and cultural differences are not addressed." Patients and family members and friends of patients need support. "With the extended family system under threat, support of those sick is also under threat."
If for no other reason, Kaunda said, the AIDS campaign should be supported because everyone's happiness is linked to those around them.
"We must get everyone involved, church, government, and young people," he said, "Everyone has a direct responsibility towards this fight."
Ending his lecture the same way it began — with music — Kaunda sang "We will fight and conquer AIDS," while keeping rhythm on the podium.
He founded the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Foundation, played an important role in African Independence, has held many regional and international leadership positions and has authored several books.
The lecture was sponsored by the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and the Program in African Studies.
Read More
Economics professor Kate Ho passes away after long battle with cancer
Devon RudolphProfessor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Professor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Pedestrian left in critical condition after traffic collision on Nassau Street
Luke GrippoThe pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
The pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
Senior class jacket abruptly changed following accusations of AI design
Vitus LarrieuFor more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.
For more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.