House of Representatives Passes Joint Resolution with Significant Increases for AIDS, TB and Malaria, Including the Global Fund
31 January 2007
Washington, D.C., January 31, 2007: Today, the House of Representatives passed a year-long funding resolution which included $4.5 billion to fight AIDS, TB and malaria around the world, including $724 million for the Global Fund. This is the highest funding level ever provided by Congress in the fight against these three deadly diseases.
"My heartfelt gratitude goes to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Obey, Chairwoman Lowey and Representatives Lee and Shays for their determination to maintain our commitment to the families and children that are devastated by these diseases every day," said Jack Valenti, President of Friends of the Global Fight. "We look forward to Senate passage of this resolution through the strong bipartisan support of Majority Leader Reid, Deputy Leader Durbin, Senators Leahy, Byrd, Brownback and Sununu to maintain U.S. leadership in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria so millions of people will get the services they so desperately need."
The bill includes $724 million for the Global Fund and $2.9 billion for the fifteen focus countries within the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. These resources will allow the Fund to build on its strong performance to date, including putting 1.2 million people on lifesaving treatment for AIDS together with the Emergency Plan. In addition, the Fund has distributed 18 million bed nets to protect pregnant women and their children from malaria, and treated 2 million people with TB. The bill also provides $248 million for malaria programs, including the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). This funding will help the PMI program stay on track with its goal of reducing malaria deaths by 50% in its target countries after three years.
"Given the incredibly difficult budget situation, the U.S. Congress made a bold decision to help those affected by AIDS, TB and malaria around the world," said Natasha Bilimoria, Executive Director of Friends of the Global Fight. "We thank them for their dedication to saving the lives of millions of people around the world."
