[Press Release] World Vision Lauds U.S. Funding Increase to Combat AIDS, Malaria

from Reuters Alert Net

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 16, 2007 -- World Vision applauds Congress and President George W. Bush for increasing funding for programs to fight AIDS and malaria in fiscal year 2007.

"We are especially pleased that the resolution increases global AIDS funding by $1.3 billion and malaria funding by $149 million," said Robert Zachritz, World Vision's senior policy advisor for global development. "It just goes to show that even in tight budget times, the Congress and the President can work together in a bipartisan manner to fight global poverty and disease."

"It is essential that we now ensure that children who are vulnerable or orphaned by AIDS are a priority when this funding is used,'' said Zachritz.

World Vision, an international Christian humanitarian organization, along with the ONE Campaign and many other non-governmental groups, will continue to encourage government leaders to commit more funding to the global fight against AIDS and poverty. More than 200,000 people joined the ONE Campaign and World Vision in a recent appeal to the White House and Congress asking for the higher funding levels.

Notably, the total amount designated for international humanitarian assistance programs is less than 1 percent of the total of U.S. government spending for the year.

AIDS has already orphaned 15 million children. In 2006 alone, it killed an estimated 380,000 children under the age of 15. U.S. citizens are invited to keep the pressure on government leaders to increase AIDS-related funding in 2008. To add support to the "Make Your Mark for Children" petition, go to www.seekjustice.org or send the text message "ACTNOW" to 77812.