Clinton Meets Young AIDS Victims in Lesotho

July 19, 2005 -- -- As Bill Clinton holds the tiny hand of a 10-month-old boy, his mother tells the former president of the baby's battle with AIDS. It is a story often repeated in Lesotho, the small southern African nation where one in three people is infected with AIDS, 22,000 of them children.

"We can do so much," Clinton told "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts, who accompanied him to the village. "We should be able to save them all, we have the medicines to do it."

But in Lesotho, as is the case in much of Africa, antiretroviral medications, known as ARVs, are virtually inaccessible. Only 1 percent of the AIDS population receives the life-extending drugs; the life expectancy in Lesotho is just 37.

Clinton is on a mission to revolutionize AIDS treatment in the developing world, and is on the second stop of a six-nation tour to bring a message of hope -- and financial support -- from the William J. Clinton Foundation. The foundation negotiates with manufacturers of generic pharmaceuticals to supply poor countries with life-prolonging pediatric ARVs at affordable prices.

In Mozambique on Monday, Clinton announced that his foundation, through the Irish government, would contribute $50 million to support HIV and AIDS health projects in the country.

"One of the under-appreciated aspects of this medicine being inexpensive and available to everybody is the phenomenal incentive to get tested," Clinton said.

Jozelia had four children and was pregnant with a fifth when her husband died of AIDS and she learned that she also was carrying the disease.

Her youngest son, Adriano, 4, never knew his father. The boy loves lollipops and playing with his cousin, but he fights daily fevers as well as bouts of coughing and fatigue.

His mother cannot afford the ARVs that could improve her own health and that of her children.

"They're the same as children everywhere and they should have the same life," Clinton said.

While Clinton has not yet been able to help Adriano, another boy, 15-year-old Sulamaneya, symbolizes the power of his work.

Just weeks ago, the AIDS orphan was too ill to walk or go to school. His worsening condition qualified him for drug treatment, and now the teenager smiles as he plays his favorite game, marbles. He is back at school and dreaming of playing football.

Clinton is fighting to focus the world's attention on the power of this life-altering medication, and the fact that every child deserves a healthy future.

Thanks to Clinton, a few more children can think about the future. On Monday, Clinton dedicated a pediatric AIDS clinic that was established with the help of his foundation, and reviewed the progress made by the Lesotho government to expand access to medication.

Last year, a government program enrolled 5,000 AIDS patients across the country.

Clinton's next stop on his tour is South Africa.