Gains in global health are
threatened by COVID-19
I am gravely concerned that the COVID-19 relief bills will not provide enough funding to adequately maintain existing U.S.-supported international health programs.
The Phase 4 emergency response bill, for a global pandemic, is currently neglecting the rest of the globe. The virus is already hindering international health programs in which the U.S. has provided leadership for decades in the poorest countries.
Jack Guy of CNN reported that new research predicts the impact of this pandemic could result in an increase of 1.4 million more tuberculosis deaths and 6.3 million additional cases of TB by 2025.
GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance reported that at least 13.5 million have missed their vaccinations.
This year Sens. Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein have supported global health and education programs and organizations. I strongly urge the senators to request substantial global funding into the Phase 4 Coronavirus Emergency Response Bill.
Rick Narvaez
Concord
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