Statement on White House Preview of Global Health Budget - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

SEATTLE -- Bill and Melinda Gates, co-chairs of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, released the following statement on the preview of President Obama’s global health budget for fiscal year 2010.

“We are excited about President Obama’s commitment to global health. We agree that America cannot walk away from its obligations in this time of great need.
 
“The president continues to honor the promise made by Americans to fight against the diseases of the poor. We hope that both Congress and the administration will continue to act as good stewards of programs such as PEPFAR and the President’s Malaria Initiative.
 
“We also appreciate that these are hard decisions to make right now. We can personally attest that U.S. investments in global health have made a lasting difference, not only in saving lives but in helping people to live full and productive lives. Those who benefit from such programs appreciate the generosity of the American people.
 
“At the Gates Foundation, we are committed to continuing our investments in global health and development. We look forward to seeing the full budget and supporting the administration and other partners in these critical investments.”