Chairwoman Lee Applauds World Health Organization Endorsement of Malaria Vaccine

Press Release

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released the following statement on the World Health Organization's endorsement of the world's first malaria vaccine:

"I applaud the World Health Organization for their endorsement of the world's first ever malaria vaccine. This historic scientific breakthrough is a testament to the tremendous work of scientists that have remained committed to this incredibly important goal. I'm proud that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, of which I serve as chair, has made consistent investments in this life-saving research. Our subcommittee has directed USAID to invest in malaria vaccine research for years, support to early candidates before they are commercially viable.

"Yesterday's announcement is a historic step forward in the fight against malaria and a great development in our quest for global health equity. Malaria kills about half a million people each year, nearly all of them in sub-Saharan Africa -- among them 260,000 children under age 5. I celebrate having a new tool to combat the devastating impact this parasitic disease has on communities around the world.

"As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, I am committed to continuing our investments in global health initiatives, especially in Africa and the Caribbean. It's crucial that the United States remain a reliable partner and steadfast leader in global health equity."

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