In an effort to combat the spread and devastation of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria on a global scale, Sens. John Kerry (D-MA) and Bill Frist (R-TN) introduced 'The U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Act of 2002' (S.2525), a comprehensive package of funding for AIDS, TB and malaria prevention programs and investments in vaccine research and purchase funds.
This bill is the first effort to create a long term strategy for American leadership in responding to the global pandemic. Specifically, the newly introduced legistation would increase U.S. spending on international HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria efforts by more than $1 billion this year and would more than double the government's current financial commitment to fighting the diseases abroad.