U.S. First Lady Laura Bush Visits HIV/AIDS Project Sites

MARCH 2006 — U.S. First Lady Laura Bush visited two HIV/AIDS prevention and care sites in Andhra Pradesh on March 3. The sites are operated by nongovernmental organizations Nrityanjali Academy and Freedom Foundation through a USAID-funded and FHI-supported initiative.

At the Nrityanjali Academy, which employs folk theater to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and to address stigma and discrimination, Mrs. Bush attended a dance and drama performance demonstrating how HIV is transmitted and can be prevented.

At Freedom Foundation, Mrs. Bush sat in on a life skills class for children affected by HIV/AIDS. In addition, a group of HIV-positive women spoke with Mrs. Bush about stigma and discrimination in their communities and how U.S. Government support is helping to transform their lives.

PHOTO: U.S. First Lady Laura Bush (seated far left) meets orphans and other vulnerable children at Freedom Foundation, an FHI partner in Andhra Pradesh. FHI/India Country Director Kathleen Kay is seated at far right. (Shealah Craighead)