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Senate passes historic AIDS, TB, and malaria bill
The measure will save countless lives.
July 18, 2008
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 Lister Chingangu, a Zambian caregiver for those suffering from AIDS and malaria, stands in front of the U.S. Capitol. During her visit to Washington, D.C., she met with lawmakers, urging them to pass the AIDS, TB and Malaria Bill.
Photo ©2007 Paul Bettings/World Vision Broad bi-partisan support
“This important step heeds the broad public support of the many American voters who recognize the moral imperative of responding to AIDS and other devastating global health crises in developing nations,” says Robert Zachritz, World Vision’s director of advocacy and government relations in the United States.
The House of Representatives passed the measure earlier this year. The Senate bill now must be reconciled with the House version. If the House passes the Senate bill as is, it would then go directly to the president for his signature. If not, both the House and Senate will have pass the new agreed upon bill.
“We commend the lawmakers who have come together on a bipartisan, comprehensive agreement … providing a much-needed increase in U.S. assistance to address the needs of millions of orphans and vulnerable children affected by these epidemics,” says Zachritz. “The additional funding for malaria programs is also desperately needed.” World Vision recently announced the launch of a major new initiative to combat malaria, a leading cause of child deaths worldwide.
Program renewed, expanded
This bill renews and expands a current program, which is set to expire in September. Zachritz says that reauthorizing PEPFAR before the first round expires means that the United States can maximize its life-saving impact in the global AIDS fight, rather than allowing the U.S. commitment to stall.
Says Zachritz: “This is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted availability of treatment, care, and prevention services for affected children, women, and men in hard-hit nations.”
This legislation authorizes the programs but does not fund them. The money will have to be approved by Congress in a separate appropriations bill.
World Vision has been addressing the impact of AIDS for nearly two decades, starting with orphaned children in Rakai, Uganda. Today, we are fighting the spread and impact of AIDS in more than 60 nations — including PEPFAR-funded work in 14 countries, in partnership with other groups.
Learn more
>> Dig deeper. See reports and resources on the AIDS crisis.
>> Visit the "World Vision Experience: AIDS" in a city near you. Two ways you can help
>> Thank God for the passage of the AIDS, TB, and malaria bill. Pray that these resources would help bring relief to children and families who are suffering because of AIDS.
>> Sponsor a HopeChild in an AIDS-affected nation.
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