Since December 1 was set aside as World AIDS Day, almost all he themes commemorating the day have been eluded by one fact- that poverty fuels the spread of the pandemic. This year's theme, "Protecting Women and Girls From the Spread of HIV/AIDS" is particularly poignant, but yet another case of a shot far too misfired.

The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission is reported to have implored everyone, "particularly men, to recognise their responsibility to protect women and girls from infection."

"I earned capital in the campaign...political capital. And now I intend to spend it." With these words President Bush declared victory over his Democratic challenger, John Kerry and accepted another four-year mandate from the American people as President of the United States. But how will this affect Africa? Will President Bush be spending any of that political capital on sorting out the problems on our own troubled continent? Or will he be distracted in his next four years by turmoil in the Middle East and by America's own domestic issues?

Sir, in recent weeks, my continent has attracted much media attention in the West thanks to the likes of Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Bob Geodolf. Their aim is to rally international action for what to them has become "a scar on the conscience" of the world. In that vein, your editorial of October 8, 2004 titled, "Blair in Africa" sought to give support to their cause. I have some comments regarding your analysis.