Yesterday, President George W. Bush, in a speech on HIV/AIDS, praised the Coptic Hope Center in Nairobi, Kenya and thanked the director, His Grace Bishop Paul.

Bishop Paul with President Bush

From the President’s speech…

“You know, one good example of this good work is supported by — that the U.S. supports is called the Coptic Hope Center in Nairobi, Kenya. Three years ago, the center had a staff of four people, and resources to treat no more than five HIV/AIDS patients a day. Today, the staff consists of 40 people and 10 volunteers who provide care and treatment services to over 6,000 people. I want to thank the Director of the Hope Center, Bishop Paul, who’s with us today. I want to thank you for being here. I want to thank you for your leadership and for your care for your fellow human beings.”

Play the video, the Coptic Hope Center is highlighted at 5:45, and the President takes pictures with the Bishop near the end.

The Hope Center is one of many projects belonging to the Coptic Mission in Africa which operates under the care of His Grace Bishop Paul.

Update: I was able to obtain additional pictures and higher quality footage.

Photo Album / DivX Video (78 MB) / QuickTime Video (205 MB) / DVD ISO (625 MB)

MSNBC Interview with Bishop Paul after the Presidential Speech

Rough Transcript:

The Bishop is the Director of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Africa. They established a center back in 2004 and treats HIV/AIDS patients. Thank you for being with us. Thank you. How would you describe the fight against aids in Africa? Have you turned the corner? The first fight was — we were concerned about the people dying. The first target for us was how to give them medical to save life of the people. But later on, we discovered that it is better that we can work in the area of prevention. We have a big program for prevention now. Everywhere.

President Bush as we mentioned is asking congress to double the amount of money up to $30 billion over the next five years. How much of that money goes directly to those who truly need help in Africa?

I want to thank the President and the Congress and the generous Americans who are helping Africa. This money give life to people. People are dying. I remember — I discovered many of the patients when they give birth to a child they give him hope because this money come, and i prayed that this money will be more than enough that we can fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.

You mentioned focusing on prevention. How difficult is it to change the focus of the mission from treatment to prevention?

It was like a challenge for us. Because, you know, it was at the short term, the short side to solve the patient who is dying, rejected by his family. How to help him and counsel him and help his family. But later on we discography that it is part of the answer. Time to state, stark it programs for prevention. These programs are successful. You will find there are programs not the percentage of HIV/AIDS is down thank you to God.