Joins ONE to Ask American Moms to Raise Their Voices on Behalf of African Moms

Contact: Lauren Williams, A. Larry Ross Communications, 972-267-1111, lauren@alarryross.com

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Former First Lady Laura Bush encourages Americans to make every day a happy mother's day for moms around the world in an exclusive video message through the ONE Campaign, an anti-poverty advocacy group.

"As mothers, we want all children to be safe and healthy no matter where they live," said former First Lady Laura Bush in the video. "We've seen living proof that we can make a difference for these mothers. Together, we can continue this progress. All mothers deserve a chance to ensure that their children have a healthy start in life -- no matter where their lives begin."

The video explores the common bond that mothers around the world share for their children and encourages Americans to raise their voices as advocates for children and moms in Africa this Mother's Day. Mrs. Bush states that 5 million children are alive because of the vaccine programs and 46 million more children are in school today. She also notes the hundreds of thousands of mothers whose children were born HIV-free as a result of U.S. program like the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS (PEPFAR) which President George W. Bush championed to combat the deadly AIDS epidemic in Africa. 

"At ONE, we are grateful to Mrs. Bush for being a constant presence in ongoing efforts to help give moms and children a fighting chance in some of the toughest places in the world," said ONE U.S. Executive Director Sheila Nix.  "She is an inspiration to so many and we are honored to have her deliver such a powerful Mother's Day message from ONE."

Since departing from the White House in 2008, former First Lady Bush, along with her husband President George W. Bush, has remained out of most political affairs. Yet First Lady Bush has remained a champion of mothers and children both at home and in the world's poorest countries as well as a strong advocate for those infected and affected internationally by HIV/AIDS. She has been a vocal supporter of combating AIDS and malaria in Africa and improving access to education for girls. She also recognizes the tremendous impact that Americans are making through programs supported by the United States government to help mothers in the poorest places in the world.

ONE is an advocacy organization dedicated to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease around the world, particularly in Africa.  Backed by 2 million members, we work with government leaders in both parties to support proven, cost-effective solutions to save lives and build sustainable futures. To learn more, please go to www.one.org.