Congress Passes Bill Tripling Funding for Global Health Programs

Both houses of Congress have passed the landmark Lantos-Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5501), authorizing record funding to fight these diseases. The bill, which President Bush is expected to sign, calls for $48 billion over five years and includes important changes.

The legislation includes special provisions for:

• Increasing funds for malaria and tuberculosis programs
• Preventing HIV infections among women and girls
• Expanding treatment and care for people living with HIV and AIDS

While the bill maintains the antiprostitution loyalty oath—restricting funding for organizations that refuse to denounce prostitution—it includes two important progressive changes: A law that has been in place for 21 years banning foreign travelers living with HIV from visiting or gaining residency in the United States has been overturned. And while the bill still includes language calling for abstinence programs, it does not include the previous requirement that at least one-third of HIV prevention funds be spent on abstinence-only education and programs—a positive step forward.

For more information, visit the Global AIDS Alliance.