Joia Mukherjee, MD, Health Action AIDS Advisor and Medical Director of Partners in Health at the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, August, 2008
Health Action AIDS Campaign Advisor and Medical Director of Partners In Health Joia Mukherjee has a hard-hitting op-ed in today's Boston Globe, focusing on the importance of fulfilling the Obama Administration and Congressional commitments to combat global diseases.
In this time of global economic crisis, it becomes even more imperative that we keep our promises to the world's poor, who are even more affected by this crisis than those in the developed world. Funding the expanded commitment to PEPFAR and the Global Fund is critical to fight the three diseases that collectively kill 6 million people each year and cost African nations an estimated $12 billion a year in lost productivity. If this economic crisis has taught us anything, it's that the fate of one economy can affect all of us. By investing in health in poor countries, the United States helps to stabilize and grow the world economy.
During the Global AIDS Month of Action, PHR is marshalling the full resources of health professionals and students to echo Dr. Mukherjee's important call to action. Starting in the halls of Congress in Washington, DC later this month and continuing on Main Street and at universities, PHR Staff, health professionals, and students are calling on Congress to fully fund and implement PEPFAR.
You can join us by signing up for a meeting with yout local Congressperson at their district office. PHR will set up the meeting and provide training; we just need you to sign up to participate. Health professionals, students and concerned citizens can ensure Congress and the Administrations fulfill their commitments fight AIDS.