Tina Smith: “It has been my great pleasure to work with my colleague, Senator Boxer, over the past years to put global tuberculosis…”

“It has been my great pleasure to work with my colleague, Senator Boxer, over the past years to put global tuberculosis control on the map as an important priority for U.S. funding. I share the Senator's concern that the United States continue to protect and expand the funds we allocate to this important cause. We must indeed not lose our focus on combating global TB even as we respond efficiently and effectively to SARS. We must remember that failing to protect and expand funds to combating TB means needless death for 2 million people in the developing world each year--people who are teachers, doctors, civil servants, and people who are parents to young children who need their protection, financial support, and guidance. We must remember that the problem of tuberculosis is inextricably linked together with the growing problem of global HIV. TB is the biggest killer of those with HIV, and TB also accelerates the course of AIDS. Treating TB can save lives and slow the progression of AIDS. We also must remember that treating tuberculosis works. We know what to do and that we have some of the key elements in place to successfully control this disease.”