Michelle Obama's optimism seen in Africa
June 25, 2011
J. Stephen Morrison, Director Global Health Policy Center
Lisa Carty, Deputy Director and Senior Advisor, Global Health Policy Center
First lady Michelle Obama’s trip to Africa this week with her daughters and her mother has generated major U.S. media attention. News outlets now feature the pictures of their meeting with South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, or dancing with local school children.
But the first lady’s trip to southern Africa is about more than colorful photos. It is focusing national attention on the serious U.S. strategic interests on the continent.
Washington is now confronting hard decisions about a range of issues relating to Africa — including security, trade and, particularly, global health. Millions of lives may be affected as a result.
So this visit can help the American people better understand why the U.S. must continue to engage with South Africa and Botswana — as well as other African countries.
Click here to read the rest of the article, originally published on POLITICO.
