Barbara Boxer: “I want to highlight one critical area of this important legislation, and that is the global epidemic of tuberculosis.…”

“I want to highlight one critical area of this important legislation, and that is the global epidemic of tuberculosis. While I appreciate the language on TB that was included in this bill at my request, I am disappointed that there is not a specific earmark for TB programs. The Kerry-Frist bill that passed the Senate last year included specific increases for funding for international tuberculosis programs. That bill authorized $150 million bilaterally for international tuberculosis in fiscal 2003 and $200 million for 2004. It is critically important that funding for tuberculosis remain a priority. There is a particular need to highlight the need for expanded tuberculosis funds given that the President's 2004 budget request calls for a reduction in funding to combat TB. We must not only protect but significantly expand funds for programs that combat tuberculosis. Here is why: TB is an immense global killer. Nine million people become sick with active TB every year and 2 million people are killed by the disease. Tuberculosis is medically linked with the global AIDS pandemic. TB is the leading killer worldwide of people with HIV, because those who contract HIV suffer from weakened immune systems and they develop active TB. TB rates have increased five-fold in some African nations in conjunction with AIDS. But there is hope. Basic TB treatment is incredibly effective and can cure over 90 percent of cases even in resource-poor settings, even in people with HIV/AIDS.”