[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4941-4943]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 INTRODUCTION OF THE GLOBAL HEALTH ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing legislation to address an 
issue that is receiving much needed attention by the international 
community and the U.S. government. That issue is global health. Men, 
women and children all over the world are struggling with the impact of 
an HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa that threatens to engulf parts of Asia 
over the next few years and destabilize regional security on each of 
these continents. The former Soviet Union has one of the most rapidly 
growing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the world and has already 
overwhelmed its already faltering health care infrastructure.
  The people of these and those in other developing countries are 
struggling with the fact that more than ten million children die before 
their 5th birthday each year from preventable diseases in developing 
countries. They are struggling with the continued impact of global 
infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, other infections 
that threaten their lives, the lives of their children, the viability 
of their villages, their economies, their national security.
  Epic threats to the health of people all over the world continue to 
challenge governments, domestic infrastructures and societies on a 
rapidly growing scale. Their crisis is our crises. The stability of the 
region is at risk and with that, our interests in the stability of 
governments in Africa.
  Despite these daunting facts, there is something we can do. 
Unprecedented opportunities exist today to improve health around the 
world and the U.S. must maintain its leadership role on these issues. 
It is in our interest to do so. Our borders are not impervious to these 
global health threats. To address these global health threats, I am 
introducing the Global Health Act of 2001.
  During the 106th Congress, over 75 members of Congress and 152 
organizations joined me in support of the Global Health Act of 2000 and 
we are reintroducing this legislation this year to reaffirm our 
commitment to improve the health of men, women and children around the 
world.
  Today, I am joined by 52 of my colleagues in introducing bipartisan 
legislation to increase the U.S. commitment to global health by $1 
billion dollars over FY 2001 appropriated levels. With these additional 
funds, our commitment to global health will be authorized at $2.55 
billion.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the fifty-two cosponsors of the 
Global Health Act of 2001. These cosponsors represent a broad cross 
section of the House; Democrats and Republicans, members of the Women's 
Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Black Caucus, Appropriators and 
Authorizers, who recognize the need and importance of an increased 
commitment to global health.
  I ask that a copy of the Global Health Act be printed in the Record 
following my remarks.
  We are joined in this effort by over 70 international organizations 
and two coalitions committed to global health, such as the Global 
Health Council, Save the Children, the Christian Children's Fund, and 
the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and the list is growing 
every day.
  I have included that list of the global health organizations, faith-
based organizations and development NGOs that support this legislation 
and ask that it be entered into the Record.
  What does the Global Health Act do?
  The Global Health Act of 2001 provides an additional $1 billion to 
the global health programs of the Federal Government. This includes a 
$275 million increase for HIV/AIDS, a $100 million increase for 
maternal health, a $200 million increase for family planning, a $225 
million increase for child survival, and a $200 million increase for 
infectious diseases.
  While other legislation will seek to target specific diseases, the 
Global Health Act understands the interconnectedness of health and 
seeks an increase for all of the global health programs that play an 
important role in improving the health of men, women and children 
around the world.
  It also calls for increased coordination between the different 
government agencies administering health programs.
  The HIV/AIDS pandemic is the greatest public health disaster to face 
mankind since the bubonic plaque. Already, 58 million people have been 
infected or died as a result of HIV/AIDS and more than 95 percent of 
new infections occur in developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has 
been the hardest hit and in South Africa it is estimated that 10 
percent of its 45 million people are infected with the virus.
  But, the pandemic is not limited to Africa: Asia will soon have more 
new HIV infections than any other region and Russia is the new ``hot 
spot'' for the disease. The disease is ravaging families and 
communities and young people have been particularly devastated. Every 
minute, five young people contract HIV/AIDS somewhere in the world and 
in Southern Africa it is projected that more than half of today's 
teenagers will become infected and die of AIDS.
  UNAIDS has estimated that it would take $3 billion to address HIV/
AIDS in Africa alone (excluding access to drugs) and at this time the 
international community is providing less than $1 billion a year for 
HIV/AIDS programs in the developing world.
  The world looks to the United States to be a leader and now is the 
time for the United States to significantly expand its support for 
global HIV/AIDS programs. The creation of new drugs and vaccines cannot 
stand alone and we must also invest in the development of public health 
infrastructure.
  This infrastructure will be important as we continue to expand 
investment in treatment and care programs. In addition, 42 million 
children will be orphaned by HIV/AIDS by 2010 and we must be prepared 
to provide good health care to these children across the health 
spectrum.
  All children of the world need our support. As we approach the 10-
year anniversary of the World Summit for Children, we must make a 
strong commitment in their future by investing in the world's children. 
Ten million children die before their 5th birthday each year in 
developing countries from preventable diseases, such as pneumonia, 
diarrhea and measles. Yet, funding for the core child survival program 
remained fairly stable in the FY 2001 budget. Without additional 
funding, the successful child survival programs will not continue to 
provide needed services for young girls and boys in developing 
countries. Through its research and development programs, the United 
States has developed interventions that work. Clean water and 
sanitation prevent infections, and oral rehydration therapy (a simple 
salt sugar mixture taken by mouth, which costs only pennies) has been 
proven to be among the most effective public health interventions ever 
developed.
  Immunization programs have also proven to be successful and almost 75 
percent of children are immunized today in developing countries.
  Annually, immunizations avert two million childhood deaths from 
measles, neonatal tetanus, and whooping cough. The success of these 
programs is striking and the U.S. should reaffirm its commitment to 
children as we meet with other world leaders at the UN Special Session 
for Children in September, 2001.
  Another equally compelling problem that has not yet been given the 
recognition it deserves is the death of 600,000 women each year during 
pregnancy and childbirth--one woman every minute.
  Over 80 percent of these deaths are due to complications that are 
routinely prevented in the developed world, such as obstructed labor, 
infections and unsafe births. 99 percent of these 600,000 deaths could 
be averted.
  Of all the health statistics monitored by the World Health 
Organization, the figures on materal mortality reveal the largest 
discrepancy between developed and developing countries.
  Women in developing countries are 18 times more likely to die during 
childbirth than

[[Page 4942]]

women in developed countries. This disparity does not need to continue. 
The WHO has identified a package of health interventions that for a 
cost of $1-3 per mother, could save the lives of countless mothers and 
their children.
  This small investment in mothers will have an enormous impact on the 
families of tomorrow.
  Other interventions, such as family planning, also play a large role 
in protecting the integrity of a family.
  One third of the world's population is between the ages of 10 and 24. 
As these young people begin to raise families, the demand for safe 
voluntary family planning services will increase dramatically.
  Many women will choose to have children and over 200 million will 
become pregnant in the coming year.
  But, following the birth of a healthy child, many couples prefer to 
delay or cease childbearing. About a quarter of a billion couples 
around the world find themselves in this situation and they do not have 
access to voluntary contraceptive methods. As a result, many 
pregnancies are unplanned or unwanted.
  The World Bank has found family planning to be one of the best ways 
to improve maternal and child health and it is time for the U.S. to 
signficantly expand funding and support for the international family 
planning programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development and 
increase the U.S. allocation to the United Nations Population Fund.
  The final important piece of the Global Health Act is the increased 
funding for programs that address infectious diseases.
  My own district was surprised and concerned when West Nile 
Encephalitis entered our community during the Summer of 1999. This 
incident reminded us that infectious diseases know no geographic 
boundaries, and are crossing U.S. borders with greater frequency.
  Tuberculosis has re-emerged on the world stage in deadlier and more 
drug resistant forms.
  With the appearance of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, and its 
spread to Europe and the U.S., we face the possibility that this could 
again become a leading killer. But, through effective collaborative 
projects, the United States has been able to leverage its support for 
infectious disease programs and rates of malaria and polio are 
decreasing.
  In just the past ten years, the number of polio cases worldwide has 
fallen by almost 50 percent and the death toll from malaria has been 
reduced by 97 percent. These partnerships have proven to be very 
fruitful and are a model for future U.S. action on infectious diseases.
  With the resources provided under the Global Health Act and the 
coordination and assistance of other nations, we can make a profound 
difference in the health and wellbeing of millions of the world's 
poorest citizens.
  Without good health, a nation will be unable to support a healthy and 
strong economy.
  It is in our national and economic interests that the U.S. support 
increased funding for global health so that today's healthy children 
can be tomorrow's healthy world partners.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important 
legislation.

         Organizations Endorsing the Global Health Act of 2001

       1. Adventist Development and Relief Agency.
       2. Advocates for Youth.
       3. Africa Faith & Justice Network.
       4. African Services Committee, Inc.
       5. Alan Guttmacher Institute.
       6. Alliance Lanka.
       7. American Association for World Health.
       8. American Association of University Women.
       9. American Foundation for AIDS Research.
       10. American International Health Alliance Organization.
       11. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
       12. AmeriCares.
       13. Andean Rural Health Care.
       14. Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center.
       15. Association of Public Health Laboratories.
       16. Association of Reproductive Health Professionals.
       17. Association of Schools of Public Health.
       18. Baertracks.
       19. The Centre for Development and Population Activities--
     CEDPA.
       20. Catholics for a Free Choice.
       21. Center for Reproductive Law and Policy.
       22. Center for Women Policy Studies.
       23. Christian Children's Fund.
       24. Concern Worldwide U.S., Inc.
       25. CONRAD Program.
       26. Cross-Cultural Solutions.
       27. Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation 
     Organization.
       28. Family Care International.
       29. Female Health Company.
       30. FOCAS.
       31. Global AIDS Action Network.
       32. Global AIDS Alliance.
       33. Global Health Council.
       34. Infectious Diseases Society of America.
       35. InterAction.
       36. International Trachoma Initiative.
       37. International Women's Health Coalition.
       38. Institute for Global Health.
       39. John Snow, Inc.
       40. Journalists Against AIDS Nigeria.
       41. Management Sciences for Health.
       42. National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action 
     League.
       43. National Association of People with AIDS.
       44. National Audubon Society.
       45. National Family Planning and Reproductive Health 
     Association.
       46. National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and 
     Transgender Organization.
       47. Programs for Appropriate Technology in Health.
       48. Pathfinder International.
       49. Physicians for Social Responsibility.
       50. PLAN International.
       51. Population Action International.
       52. Population Institute.
       53. Population Leadership Program.
       54. Project Hope.
       55. Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
       56. San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
       57. Save the Children.
       58. United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and 
     Society.
       59. U.S. Coalition for Child Survival (see members list 
     below).
       60. U.S. Committee for UNFPA.
       61. U.S. Fund For UNICEF.
       62. Uganda Youth Anti-AIDS Association.
       63. Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
       64. Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
       65. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
       66. White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood (see members 
     list below).
       67. Women's EDGE.
       68. World Neighbors.


            Members of the U.S. Coalition for Child Survival

       Academy for Educational Development, Adventist Development 
     and Relief Agency, Aga Khan Foundation USA, Bread for the 
     World, CARE Tajikistan, Children's Global Health and 
     Education Network, Christian Children's Fund, CORE Group, 
     Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Environmental 
     Health Project, Freedom from Hunger, Global Health Council, 
     Grantmakers in Health, Johns Hopkins University/School of 
     Public Health; KRA Corp., Health Program, March of Dimes, 
     Merck, PLAN International, Save the Children, US Fund for 
     UNICEF, Voice of America, as of 3/28/01,


        Members of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood

       Academy for Nursing Studies, Advance Africa, Adventist 
     Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Aisyiyah, Indonesia, 
     AIWC, American Association of World Health, American College 
     of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), American Women's Association, 
     Indonesia, APIK, Arthik Samata Mandal, Association of Women's 
     Health, Obstetric, & Neonatal Nurses, Association for 
     Maternal and Child Health Concern in Nigeria, AusAID WHFW 
     Project/OPCV.
       Biodun Mat/Eye Clinic, North Tougu, The Ghana Registered 
     Midwives Assoc., BKKBN (National Family Planning Coordinating 
     Board), BKOW (Coordinating Body of Women's Organizations, 
     West Java), Cambodian Midwives Association, Canadian Women's 
     Association, Indonesia, CARE, CARE--India, CASP, Catholics 
     for Contraception, Center for Development Control, Center for 
     Development and Population Activities (CEDPA), Centre For 
     Human Survival, Nigeria, Center for Reproductive Law and 
     Policy (CRLP), CHETNA, Child Survival Collaborations and 
     Resources (CORE) Group, Christian Association of Nigeria, 
     CMAI, Christian Children's Fund, Community Based Health Care 
     Women's Group, Kimilili, Kenya, CRS.
       DFID, EEC, Engender Health, Equilibres et Populations, 
     France, Family Care International, Federal Women's 
     Association of Muslim, FK-PKMI (Collaborative Forum--for the 
     Promotion of Community Health, Indonesia), Ford Foundation, 
     Indonesia,
        Jakarta International School, JHPIEGO, Indonesia, Johns 
     Hopkins University--PCS, Johns Hopkins University--School of 
     Public Health, JHU/CCP, Kalyanamitra, La Leche League 
     International, Linkages Project/Academy for Educational 
     Development, Local Government Service Commission, Nigeria, 
     Loma Linda School of Public Health, Mamta Health Institute 
     for Mother and Child--India, Market Women's Association, 
     Nigeria, Matrika, MILES Production, Indonesia, Mitra 
     Perempuan (Wone in Sisterhood), MNH Program Indonesia, 
     MotherCare/John Snow International (JSI), Indonesia, National 
     Union of Teachers, Nigeria, NGO Networks for Health, NGO 
     Networks for Health, Armenia, Nurses Association, Nigeria, 
     Organization For Student Health Care Services, Monrovia, 
     Liberia.
       Pacific Institute for Women's Health, PATH, Indonesia, 
     Pathfinder International,

[[Page 4943]]

     PFI, Pita Putih-Indonesia, PLAN International, POGI 
     (Association of Specialists in OB/GYN, Indonesia), Population 
     Council, Population Reference Bureau, Population Services 
     International, Prerana, PRIME/Intrah, Project Hope, PSS, 
     Pusat Komunikaski Jender dan Kesehatan (Center for 
     Communications in Health and Gender Issues, Indonesia), RSB, 
     Boedi Kemuliaan (Boedi Kemuliaan Maternity Hospital).
       Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI)--USA, Safe Motherhood 
     Action Group--Nigeria, San Bernardino Coalition for Safe 
     Motherhood, Save the Children, Shell Nigeria (Women's 
     Programme, Community Development Department), SIDA, 
     Soroptimist International of Indonesia, State Ministry of 
     Women's Empowerment, Indonesia, TNAI, U.S. Pharmacopeia, 
     White Ribbon Alliance--India, Women's Empowerment in 
     Politics, Indonesia, World Vision, Yayasan Melati, YMCA, 
     Zambian Enrolled Nurses/Midwives working at the University 
     Teaching Hospital, Zambia White Ribbon Alliance for Safe 
     Motherhood.

     

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