Don't Let Congress Cut Funding for International Programs

Dear Friend,

Every day, 1,000 children are infected with HIV -- and without treatment, nearly half of those will die before their second birthdays. But what if the U.S. government could help? What if they -- with your support -- could create a generation free of HIV?

Well, the good news is they can -- because with effective, low-cost medicines and medical care, nearly all of these HIV infections can be prevented. But only with continued support of the U.S. government.

We need your help TODAY to ensure that global HIV/AIDS programs receive the funding they need to continue to save lives. Send an email to your senator NOW.

Over the past few years, the commitment of our U.S. Congress to support critical global health programs has resulted in life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment for more than 2.1 million men, women, and children. Yet, recently, cuts to the international affairs budget were made -- cuts that threaten to jeopardize these critical global health and humanitarian programs.

In less than 24 hours, the Senate could vote on our national budget, which currently lacks sufficient funds for international aid.

Make your voice heard. Tell Congress to reverse budget cuts and protect women and children with HIV/AIDS.

It's not hard to find evidence of the positive impact that U.S. HIV/AIDS funding can have around the world. Mothers like Veronica and her baby, living in Tanzania, are living proof.

Veronica was HIV-positive when she gave birth to her son, Japhet, in 2004. But thanks to lifesaving medicines that prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Japhet was born HIV-negative and healthy -- unlike thousands of other less fortunate babies born with HIV each year. There is good news for Veronica too -- she is now able to control her virus with medicines to treat AIDS, which allow her to keep up with little Japhet and her other three children.

Success stories like these should be the norm instead of the exception.

Tell Congress to support funding for programs that serve women and children with HIV/AIDS -- just like Veronica and Japhet.

With your help, we can make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of women, children, and families around the world. This is a generation that needs our help -- this is a generation that deserves to be free of HIV.

Thank you for your support and your action!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Penniman

Vice President of Public Policy and Communications
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
www.pedaids.org