Obama praises Bush's work on AIDS

WASHINGTON (CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama offered praise Monday for at least one aspect of President George W. Bush's foreign policy in remarks delivered by videotape to the Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health.

"I salute President Bush for his leadership in crafting a plan for AIDS relief in Africa and backing it up with funding dedicated to saving lives and preventing the spread of the disease," Obama said. "... My administration will continue this critical work to address the crisis around the world."

The videotaped message was played during a forum marking the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, established by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the disease.

Under the Bush administration, more than 2 million people infected with HIV - most of them in Africa - have received life-saving antiretroviral treatment as part of PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Bush, who was awarded the first "International Medal of Peace" by Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren, said Monday that the program had beaten its goal of getting antiretroviral medicines to 2 million people infected with HIV within five years.