STATEMENT CONTACT: Rhonda Stewart, Global Health Council 202.833.5900 x3228 or rstewart@globalhealth.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 14, 2010 GLOBAL HEALTH COUNCIL APPLAUDS INCREASES IN ADMINISTRATION’S REQUEST FOR FY 2012 U.S. GLOBAL HEALTH BUDGET WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Global Health Council welcomes top-line increases in global health funding proposed in President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget released today and the Administration’s support for maintaining the health of those living in the world’s poorest countries. “Today the Obama Administration proved its commitment to the goals outlined in the Global Health Initiative, as evidenced by proposed increases for maternal and child health programs, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and other efforts,” said Global Health Council President and CEO Jeffrey L. Sturchio. Several global health programs received funding increases, but more can be done to sustain pledges already made, including bilateral global HIV/AIDS under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). “We’re concerned that near level-funding for bilateral HIV/AIDS will affect PEPFAR’s ability to meet its targets for prevention, treatment and care,” said Sturchio. Funding cuts proposed by the House of Representatives under a Continuing Resolution for FY 2011 also raise concerns about the sustainability of global health funding. “We will work with the Administration and Congress to ensure that adequate funding continues to be available,” said Sturchio. “We believe it is fiscally responsible to invest in global health programs and the people who depend on them. “Developing countries rely on U.S. funding to provide antiretrovirals, bednets, emergency obstetric care and other interventions that have been proven to save lives and make the world more stable and secure,” said Sturchio. “Now is not the time to roll back this progress.” ### The Global Health Council is the world’s largest membership alliance of public health organizations and professionals dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world. The Council’s members work in 140 countries on six continents. www.globalhealth.org