07.16.08

Cantwell Supports Funding to Help Combat AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

WASHINGTON, DC – Wednesday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) praised passage of the United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008, that passed by a vote of 80 – 16.
 
“Diseases such as these reach well beyond our own nation’s borders, and are at crisis levels in many parts of the world," said Cantwell.  "Any solution to this problem should also reach beyond our own borders.   The United States must continue supporting and funding programs both at home and abroad that address the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, as well as tuberculosis, and malaria. I will continue to fight for increased resources in order to battle these diseases.”
 
This bill would authorize $50 billion over  five years for treatment and prevention programs for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria; require that the President establish a new five-year strategy to fight  these diseases; increase resources for  multinational efforts to combat these diseases;  increase the effectiveness of prevention, treatment, and care programs, including  those targeting women and young girls; encourage public-private partnerships; reinforce vaccine development and other research, including operations research; and help partner countries to strengthen health systems. The bill also contains oversight, evaluation, and reporting provisions on the use of funds.
 
 
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