Letter to Congress Regarding Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, June 1, 2006

June 1, 2006

The Honorable Ralph Regula
Chairman, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee
2358 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable David R. Obey
Ranking Member, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee
1016 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Regula and Ranking Member Obey: As you prepare the FY 2007 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill, I am writing on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to urge you to support the President’s request for global HIV/AIDS funding, including at least $100 million that will be part of the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

In the fight against preventable and curable diseases the leadership of the United States is vital in ensuring that the international community responds effectively to its moral obligation to help the most vulnerable. Tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS kill approximately 6 million people each year. What makes this tragedy even more senseless is that all three diseases are treatable and preventable, and in the case of tuberculosis and malaria, curable.

For FY 2007, the President has requested nearly $600 million for global HIV/AIDS programs in the Labor-HHS appropriations bill. This amount includes $100 million contribution to the Global Fund. These funds will go a long way towards preventing the 16,000 deaths that occur each day due to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Thank you for your longstanding leadership in improving the health and well-being of people around the world. Our hope is that you will be able to maintain the President’s request for the Global Fund, and ensure that the United States continues to build upon its legacy in fighting these devastating diseases.

Sincerely yours,

Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski
Bishop of Orlando
Chairman, Committee on International Policy

letter-to-represenatives-regula-and-obey-from-bishop-wenski-on-hiv-aids-funding-2006-06-01.pdf