It is one of the oddest friendships in politics, but it is still going strong. Former President George W. Bush and U2 frontman Bono first teamed up during Bush's first term to bring awareness to the AIDS epidemic in Africa. In 2003, Bush was able to implement the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The program is credited with helping to save nearly 2 million babies have been born HIV-free to pregnant women living with HIV.
The two public figures recently reunited, when Bono took the opportunity to brag about his friend.
“More than 11 million people are alive today thanks to this man’s creation of PEPFAR, the U.S. AIDS program that has been saving lives and preventing new HIV infections for over 10 years, with strong support from political leaders right, left, and center,” the U2 singer said.
Bush is now returning the thanks. The 43rd president announced on social media Monday that he is honoring Bono with the George W. Bush Presidential Center's inaugural Medal for Distinguished Leadership.
Specifically, Bono is being recognized for his ONE campaign, humanitarian contributions in the area of poverty and preventable disease, NBC 5 Dallas Fort-Worth explained.
"Bono's passion for ending poverty and disease is the real deal. He uses his celebrity not for personal gain, but to improve and save lives," Bush said. "I am thankful for his big heart and for his leadership, and I am proud that he will be the first recipient of the Medal for Distinguished Leadership."