MALARIA NO MORE PRAISES SENATE PASSAGE OF THE TOM LANTOS AND HENRY J. HYDE U.S. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AGAINST HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008

Washington, DC - The following statement was issued today from Laurie Rubiner, executive director of the Malaria No More Policy Center, on Senate passage of the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde U.S. Global Leadership against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008:

This is truly an historic day in the global fight against malaria. The United States Congress has firmly stated to the world that our country is committed to the fight to save the lives of the 3000 children who die each day from malaria.

We have proven effective prevention and treatment tools to help stop the devastation and death that malaria inflicts on Africa and other nations. With legislation now approved by both the U.S. Senate and House, we have the real promise of increasing access to these critical tools.

We know that we can defeat malaria. We did it in the U.S. by 1951, but the global eradication campaign never reached Africa and other countries. According to the WHO, for approximately $ 4.5 billion a year, existing control methods can be vastly expanded across the globe saving millions of lives and producing billions in economic returns. The $5 billion over five years for malaria control efforts that Congress has approved is a critical and significant down payment. We applaud Congress for its support and look forward to working with members to ensure the bill is fully funded.

The Malaria No More Policy Center works to raise awareness and galvanize support to address the global fight against malaria, with specific focus on engaging policy leaders in the United States and the other G-8 nations in advancing efforts to defeat malaria worldwide. www.MalariaNoMore.org.