 |
| Wilson Seeks Action to Combat Tuberculosis |
March 21, 2003 |
| |
Washington, DC-Congresswoman Heather Wilson addressed the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on combating the global pandemic of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. In her remarks she highlighted the need to expand efforts beyond our borders as we work to control these diseases here at home.
“Disease knows no borders, geographic or political,” said Wilson. “Tuberculosis arriving in America via a legal Mexican worker doesn’t check in with the border patrol. Sixty percent of tuberculosis cases in the U.S. are in foreign born people. If we want to eradicate tuberculosis in the U.S. it must be an international effort. This is an effort in which Congress can truly make a difference.”
Albuquerque has a history of tuberculosis care in sanatoriums dating back to the turn of the century due to its dry, sunny climate, and high altitude. Given the current patterns of the disease, New Mexico is also at the forefront of the future of tuberculosis care. Next week officials from the U.S. and Mexico will be announcing a new initiative from Las Cruces.
Tuberculosis is the leading cause of avoidable death in poor countries, and it is estimated to cost the world $12 Billion/year. HIV and tuberculosis together are a lethal combination, and tuberculosis is responsible for 15% of AIDS related deaths worldwide. Statistics also show an increase in the prevalence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
### |
|
|
|