Advocacy Update ~ December 16, 2019
Congressional Update
Resolution Introduced in Support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Congress recently passed resolutions in both the House (H.Res. 517) and the Senate (S.Res. 318) declaring the body’s support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Senator Risch and Representative Engel led the efforts in both chambers. With the passage of these resolutions, Congress has urged donor countries to increase their pledges for the Sixth Global Fund Replenishment, and encourages recipient countries to continue to make and meet co-financing commitments to sustain progress in ending these epidemics. Congress has made clear that these efforts are a priority and will continue bilateral aid programs that collaborate with the Global Fund to maximize the life-saving effects of global health investment.
House Passes Neglected Tropical Diseases Act
The House recently passed H.R. 3460: End Neglected Tropical Diseases Act which supports a broad range of implementation, research and development activities that work toward the achievement of cost-effective and sustainable treatment, control, and where possible, the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. The bill awaits action in the Senate.
World AIDS Day Resolution Introduced in the House
Representative Barbara Lee introduced a resolution in the House recognizing the 29th anniversary of World AIDS Day, and supporting the continued funding for prevention, care, treatment, and research for those living with HIV/AIDS. Senators Risch, Isakson, Coons, Sullivan, and Booker introduced the Senate companion resolution. The resolutions support proven global health programs that will help address the disease.
House Passes the National Defense Authorization Act
On December 11, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This included a few relevant global health security (GHS) related provisions including: a requirement for the Department of Defense to report to Congress on how its implementing the GHS Strategy and National Biodefense Strategy and inclusion of text of the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA), which included a provision requiring a report on the geopolitical effects of emerging infectious disease.
New House HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chair Announced
On December 9, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), chair of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, announced that Congresswoman Jenniffer González Colón (R-Puerto Rico) would co-chair the caucus, a coalition of bipartisan and bicameral members who are committed to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic, improving the lives of those living with the infection.
Around the World
Neglected Tropical Diseases Conference Issues Call for Strengthened Partnerships
The First African Conference on Neglected Diseases ended in Nairobi last week with calls for increased research and strengthened cross-border partnerships to ultimately achieve the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. The conference brought together roughly 230 participants from 19 countries.
Global Vaccine Safety Summit Hosted in Geneva
The World Health Organization (WHO) hosted the Global Vaccine Safety Summit from December 2-3, marking the 20th anniversary of the WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS). The summit was an opportunity to take stock of GACVS accomplishments and consider priorities for the next decade. The Global Vaccine Safety Blueprint 2.0 strategy for 2021-2030 was discussed, and a final version of the strategy, is expected in the new year.
WHO Held Meeting to Accelerate Progress on SDG Target 3.4 in Oman
From December 9-12, the WHO held a meeting to address progress on SDG Target 3.4 on Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health hosted by the Government of the Sultanate of Oman in Muscat. The meeting focused on acceleration of the implementation of national responses to address NCDs and mental health conditions with a view to reduce premature mortality and scale up interventions to reach the target by 2030.
This post was written by Kiki Kalkstein, Director of Advocacy and Engagement, and Rebecca Daedalus, Advocacy & Community Partnerships Coordinator.