Washington, DC-June 20, 2008-Senators Barack Obama and John McCain added their names to the U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 (S. 2731) in the last few days. The presumptive presidential candidates, who had verbally committed to supporting the legislation at Town Hall forums last week, joined more than 60 of their Senate colleagues in supporting the passing of the bill.

According to a press release, in a media conference call last Wednesday, June 18, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, adding his voice to the call, said that when the United States takes the action that is being suggested, by passing the legislation, then that act will in turn generate more specific country commitments from other donor nations.

"I plead to the leaders, the members of the congress, for the sake of the world, for the sake of the future, expedite the passing of the relevant legislation," said Archbishop Tutu.

 

This legislation comes as global health issues is scheduled to be high on the agenda when world's leaders meet at the G8 Summit in Japan in a few weeks.

"If the United States doesn't send the message that we are willing to contribute our fair share, then other countries won't either. Now is the time," said Jennifer Flynn of Health GAP.

However, the press release stated, even though there is overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill, including enough votes to break a filibuster, the Senate leadership is still allowing a small number of their colleagues, led by Senator Coburn, R- OK, to delay passing the bill. Buoyed by recent statements of support from Senate Majority Leader Reid and Senators McCain and Obama, AIDS and health advocacy groups are hoping that the candidates and the Senate leadership will do more to get the bill passed before they go away for their summer recess.

The release said that Senator Reid yesterday called for Senator Coburn and Committee Chairs Joseph Biden and Lugar to complete their negotiations by Tuesday, June 24 so that the bill can be moved to the floor for a vote. But activists are careful to caution that those negotiating should not remove critical parts of the bill.

"We are pleased that Sen. Reid is pushing to bring negotiations to a close. But those working to pass the bill should not weaken it over the course of the negotiations - too many lives are at stake," said Asia Russell of Health GAP.

According to Joanne Carter, incoming Executive Director of RESULTS, a national grassroots advocacy group, it is Senators Obama's and McCain's responsibility as leaders of their respective parties to get this lifesaving bill passed:

"It may not be their fault, but it is their job," she said.

Health care professionals around the world know, first hand, the importance of this legislation.

"Every day there are approximately 6,800 new HIV infections and thousands more contract tuberculosis and malaria. We need our presidential hopefuls to do all they can to move this bill forward", said Pat Daoust, MSN, RN, Physicians for Human Rights.

Advocacy groups pointed out that the AIDS bill also expands support for important new programming to increase the number of healthcare workers and fight tuberculosis and support the integration of family planning and HIV services.