Congressman Sander Levin

Global Health

I strongly support our nation's efforts to fight the spread of deadly infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS is 39.5 million, more than the population of California. Tuberculosis kills 2 million people per year. Every 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria.

From both a moral and self-interested perspective, we cannot afford to let the epidemics of HIV, TB and malaria grow. Our long-term prosperity and security are inextricably linked to our commitment to help build stronger economies and reduce poverty around the world. Promoting public health is a critical component of this effort. Disease cripples not only individuals, but economies as well, preventing parents from supporting opportunities for education, and narrow prospects for future contributions. As a member of the bi-partisan Global Health Caucus, I am working with my colleagues to fight the challenge these diseases present.

This year, Congress passed the US Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act, [H.R. 5501], which was signed into law on July 30, 2008. This Act builds on the success of the first U.S. Leadership Act, passed in 2003. Since its inception, the program estrablished by this Act has enabled 33 million HIV counseling and testing sessions, provided antiretroviral treatment to 1.45 million people, and prevented 157,000 infants from contracting HIV through mother to child infection. Through the program, $15 billion in US funds have been committed to fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in 15 partner countries, including more than $2.5 billion in contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. H.R. 5501 renews our commitment to contribute to the treatment, prevention, and ultimate elimination of these diseases worldwide.

Global Snapshot of HIV/AIDS