Washington—Representatives Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Michael McCaul, Ranking Member of the Committee, this week introduced legislation supporting the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

“The Global Fund has contributed to incredible achievements in the fight against some of the world’s most terrible diseases,” said Chairman Engel, “We cannot accept the Trump Administration’s drastic cut to this life-saving program. I’m pleased to join with Ranking Member McCaul in introducing this resolution demonstrating Congress’s bipartisan support for this critical investment in global health.”

“I am proud to lead this resolution demonstrating the United States’ longstanding commitment to the Global Fund, which has saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of the world’ most life-threatening diseases,” said Lead Republican McCaul. “Over the years, the Global Fund has made critical gains in fighting AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by increasing access to treatment, preventing new cases, and ultimately supporting people around the globe to lead healthy lives. I look forward to working with Chairman Engel and my colleagues in Congress to pledge our continued support for this vital and life-saving program.”

Background:

Since the United States helped establish it in 2002, the United States has worked with other donors around the world to support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Over the years, the United States’ contributions to the Global Fund have leveraged billions in additional investments, leading to 27 million lives saved.

The Global Fund has reduced by half the number of AIDS-related deaths worldwide since 2005, contributed to a 37-percent decline in TB deaths from 2000 to 2016, and facilitated a 60-percent decline in the number of malaria deaths since 2000.

The Administration has proposed cutting the United States’ traditional contribution to the Global Fund.

House Resolution 517:

•Recognizes the critical gains the Global Fund has made in fighting AIDS, malaria and TB around the world;

•Supports ongoing efforts by other donors to increase their financial commitments, and encourages continued buy-in, and

•Affirms the United States’ historical commitment to providing 33 percent of funding to the Global Fund.

Full text of the resolution can be found here. 

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