Aids: It is now up to Africa\'s leaders

AS THE US edges closer to war with Saddam Hussein, its global popularity seems to be ever-diminishing. And while US President George Bush\'s decision to act on the global HIV/AIDS crisis may improve his international image, its success is far from certain.

HIV infection continues to rise in Africa, while mortality from AIDS-related illnesses is increasing alarmingly. Few African governments can be proud of their response to the epidemic. Yet some have faced this catastrophe admirably.