[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1298, UNITED STATES LEADERSHIP 
        AGAINST HIV/AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS, AND MALARIA ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to applaud 
Chairman Henry Hyde and the International Relations Committee on their 
Herculean efforts to save lives in the developing world. As of last 
year, an estimated 42 million individuals were infected with HIV 
worldwide. Seventy-five percent of those individuals live in developing 
nations in Africa and the Caribbean. As the leading cause of death in 
sub-Saharan Africa, AIDS has killed more than 20 million people in that 
region alone. This global pandemic shatters families and wrecks any 
potential for prosperity in developing nations. Indeed, AIDS has nearly 
annihilated entire segments of society in Africa.
  Like some of my colleagues, I have had an opportunity to visit some 
the nations hit hardest by AIDS. Just months ago, I visited a small 
town just outside of Capetown, South Africa. There, I was told that at 
least 30 percent of the town's residents were infected with HIV. The 
nearly incalculable costs associated with such widespread suffering 
almost certainly damn South Africa's children to poverty.
  Notwithstanding this horrific situation, I was struck by the success 
of some heroic efforts to fight back against HIV. In the same town, the 
international aid organization Doctors Without Borders, has been 
running a small clinic devoted to treating pregnant victims of HIV. In 
treating these women, Doctors Without Borders has also prevented the 
spread of HIV to the unborn children of its patients. Efforts like this 
one have effectively saved the lives of hundreds of those who might 
otherwise face death as a result of AIDS.
  Perhaps one remarkable aspect of this effort is that it shows what a 
small investment in public health can do to alleviate mass suffering in 
the developing world. Imagine what organizations like Catholic 
charities and Doctors Without Borders can do with a multi-billion 
dollar commitment by the United States of America. Today's legislation 
shows leadership and it demonstrates our resolve in the fight against 
AIDS. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and congratulations to the International 
Relations Committee on a job well done.

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