Jerry Nadler: “I strongly support H.R. 3519, the World Bank AIDS Marshall Plan Trust Fund. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this…”

“I strongly support H.R. 3519, the World Bank AIDS Marshall Plan Trust Fund. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important bipartisan legislation, which would address one of the greatest crises facing the world today, the tremendous spread of AIDS in Africa. The AIDS epidemic has ravaged the nations of Africa, with over 23 million people estimated to be living with AIDS today in sub-Saharan Africa alone. Most heartbreaking is the effect this disease has had on the children of that continent. Roughly 8 million children in Africa are orphaned due to AIDS today and this number is expected to reach nearly 40 million in ten years. The World Bank Trust Fund would harness the power of the world's public and private sectors to combat this devastating situation. This public-private partnership is a great example of the role the United States can play as an international leader in public health. This bill demonstrates that we have the resources and the bill to help those who are suffering with this terrible disease. Along with the recent steps taken by the Clinton Administration and several major pharmaceutical companies to ensure that affordable treatments are available in Africa, this bill would go a long way toward finally eradicating the spread of AIDS in Africa and bring some relief to a much beleaguered part of the world. I applaud the efforts of all of those who have worked hard on this bill and I urge my colleagues to support it.”