Aug 26, 2006 11:10 pm US/Central
Obamas Take AIDS Test To Deliver Message
With AIDS Ravaging Region, Obamas Show Testing Gives Control Of Your Life.
by Mike Flannery
Kenya, Africa (CBS) ―
It was a heartwarming reunion today for
Barack Obama and his African family.
The senator introduced his two young daughters to their 85-year-old African grandmother for the first time. It was also Obama's first time taking an
HIV test publicly.
CBS 2's political editor Mike Flannery is traveling with the senator and has more on how today's quick test left a lasting impression on thousands.
A carnival atmosphere prevailed at almost every stop, as members of Kenya's Luo tribe celebrated the return of their kinsman, Barack Obama.
While enjoying the festivities, Obama, with wife Michelle, tried to deliver a serious message today by getting tested for HIV. AIDS is a disease that has ravaged this region and about one in four is now infected. Both Obamas tested negative.
"By knowing our HIV status, that puts me in control of my health and that puts me in control of my life," said Obama to a crowd awaiting him outside of the testing facility.
Later, Obama stopped at a program for 2,300 orphans, whose parents were killed by
AIDS and who are now being raised by their grandmothers.
"I'm just so happy that all the strong grandmothers here have been willing to take on the enormous responsibility of looking after all these children," said Obama.
The woman Obama calls "Granny" because she raised his father, welcomed him near the end of a long day.
"It's wonderful to be home, it's wonderful to see Granny," he said.
One of the most moving passages of Barack Obama's first book, "Dreams From My Father," recounted the moment he first came to Africa and stood between the grave of his father and the grave of his grandfather.
"It makes you think about the next generation, so one of the things that have been special about this trip is being able to bring my two daughters here," said Obama.
Tomorrow Flannery will have more on how the senator plans to raise funding and awareness for HIV and AIDS.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Get breaking news alerts
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments