Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday 31 May 2007 on the final leg of his farewell tour of Africa ahead of his departure from office in June 2007.

As part of their trip, Mr and Mrs Blair visited the Harriet Shezi Children's HIV Clinic in Soweto, part of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the world.

They were met by HIV patients Thebang, 14, and Samele, also 14, who are on anti-retroviral drugs to control the HIV virus.

mothers2mothers was fortunate enough to be invited to attend a round table discussion at the clinic, alongside other organizations actively involved with tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic - including the Treatment Action Campaign and the Medical Research Council. mothers2mothers Site Coordinator Gloria Ncanywa introduced the m2m program to the Prime Minister, explaining its approach and efficacy.

Mrs Blair facilitated a separate discussion with representatives from local HIV/AIDS initiatives. She took interest in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and Microbicide gel, which is thought to prevent infection of human cells by HIV. She also tackled the issue of violence against women and the perceived lack of male responsibility towards HIV/AIDS.

Click here for pictures of Blair at Harriet Shezi Clini, Baragwanath