AEGiS-PRn: Fattah Leads Congressional Effort to Clean Up Africa's Blood Supply

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Fattah Leads Congressional Effort to Clean Up Africa's Blood Supply

PRNewswire - November 4, 2005

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- In Sub-Saharan Africa 24.5 million individuals are living with HIV and every 25 seconds another person is infected with the disease. Blood transfusions are directly linked to the escalation in the number of HIV cases. Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and conferee on the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs bill, led the effort to allocate federal dollars to clean up Africa's blood supply and save millions from unnecessary death.

The bill, passed by the House today, makes available $2 million to provide blood free of malaria, HIV and other blood-borne diseases, and to train healthcare professionals in proper medical procedures and practices for blood transfusions. This was an allocation requested by Congressman Fattah.

"Congressman Fattah's leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa and his work to bring blood safety to Africa will help save millions of people," said Jeffery Busch, Chairman of the Safe Blood for Africa Foundation.

In an effort to halt the spread of the deadly disease, Fattah's legislative language will also generate a tactical plan from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, USAID and the Global AIDS Coordinator. When implemented, the plan will prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa.

"Millions on the African continent can breathe easier knowing that they face a brighter and more secure future with safe blood and a long-term strategy for healthcare improvement," according to Congressman Fattah.

Additionally, the bill provides for the African continent some $3 billion for among other things, clean drinking water, education, and disaster and famine assistance, all of which the congressman championed.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

Web Site: http://www.house.gov/fattah

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