The media wasted no time in pitting Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy against each other in a First Ladies’ Fashion Face-Off, as President Obama and the First Lady dazzle the crowds in Europe. While it is clear that haute couture and “flawless dressing” are passé, the discussion in Strasbourg between the sensible First Ladies to work collaboratively to fight against AIDS, and for women’s health was the real winner. Bruni-Sarkozy in December 2008 was named a goodwill ambassador to the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and roping Michele Obama into this effort is one smart move. Not only will this boost the Obama-Sarkozy camaraderie to tackle global economic issues but it may also catapult the White House onto the ramp, as it were, to mobilize its efforts in the fight against AIDS. While the U.S.’ signature AIDS program PEPFAR, launched and closely monitored by then President George W. Bush, is most certainly the lead financier of the global AIDS response (including its significant contributions to the Global Fund), the current Administration has been relatively silent about its direct involvement in PEPFAR as it transitions to its next phase. The Strasbourg discussions reveal that shimmer of hope that maybe Michelle Obama will get on that catwalk and make AIDS and other global health issues, including women’s health her business, in addition to the many other issues she is tackling with a lot of fashion and common sense. The HIV/AIDS Monitor at CGD eagerly awaits the (perhaps?) spring launch of this activity from the White House, especially as we prepare to launch our own analysis of gender and the HIV/AIDS response in Africa.
