Boozman Along with First Lady Laura Bush Launch Congressional Malaria Caucus

Press Release

Boozman Along with First Lady Laura Bush Launch Congressional Malaria Caucus

Co-chairs Congressmen John Boozman (AR-03) and Donald Payne (NJ-10) along with special guest First Lady Laura Bush launched the Malaria Caucus this morning in Rayburn House Office Building. Additional guests at the launch included Admiral Ziemer, Coordinator of the President's Malaria Initiative, Ray Chambers, UN Special Envoy on Malaria, and American Idol Finalist Melinda Doolittle, who traveled to Africa with Mrs. Bush earlier this year.

Malaria is a devastating disease that causes more than 1 million deaths a year. The purpose of the Congressional Malaria Caucus is to raise awareness of the United States' and the international community's fight against the malaria epidemic and to support increased efforts to stem its tide.

H.R. 5501, the "President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief," would authorize $5 billion in funding for programs to combat malaria for fiscal year 2009-2013. This bill passed the United State House of Representatives on April 3, 2008 and currently awaits action in the Senate.

"I have made several trips to Africa and have seen the devastating affects of this disease on the poor and the young. The good news is that PEPFAR has been an extremely successful program in combating malaria, along with AIDS and tuberculosis, since its formation in 2003, and I very much look forward to the Senate passing the legislation to reauthorize the program," Boozman said. "Things as simple as providing mosquito nets and clean water have saved countless lives and as a country we must continue our commitment to assisting the poorest of the poor."

The event is being held in conjunction with Malaria Awareness Day, which will be observed on April 25, 2008.

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