Pelosi Statement on Obama Announcement of Global Health Initiative

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on President Obama?s announcement of a global health initiative:

"President Obama is to be commended for announcing a bold global health strategy that will enhance our national security and save countless lives worldwide. This initiative builds upon the landmark Lantos-Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act that passed last Congress and was signed by President Bush.

"Democrats and Republicans have come together in recent years to provide historic investments in global health. We have succeeded in providing life-saving anti-retroviral treatment and care to millions of people while also preventing millions of new HIV infections and eliminating some formerly neglected tropical diseases. Success stories can be found in nearly every part of the world.

"Now we must take the next step in the global fight against infectious diseases. We know these diseases, especially the HIV/AIDS pandemic, can destroy the very fabric of nations, devastate societies, discourage economic development, and orphan millions of children.

"The moral case alone is reason to act but it is also in our national security interest. We have seen that impoverished states can become fertile grounds for terrorism and conflict. In a world where diseases can travel faster and more freely, we have an urgent responsibility to address the root causes in order to prevent more violence and suffering. Sustained and constructive American leadership is essential in this fight.

"I look forward to working with President Obama and Members of Congress to ensure that the goals of the President?s Global Health Initiative become a reality."