WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaking at the inaugural summit of the George W. Bush Center, former President George W. Bush urged Congress and the private sector to continue U.S. leadership against AIDS, malaria, and other health issues plaguing poor countries.

"To heal the world's sufferings, the United States must lead," Bush said during the center's "Summit to Save Lives" held recently in Washington, D.C. The event brought together heads of state, policy makers, community leaders, and global health advocates to discuss ways to improve the health of poor women and children in the developing world.  

"We are delighted that President Bush is weighing in to protect funding and promote continued reform in U.S. foreign assistance," said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. "This week's bipartisan cooperation on global health is a welcome break from the gridlock that has characterized efforts to reduce our national debt."

President Bush is credited with starting the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) nearly 10 years ago. Bread for the World strongly advocated for these programs.

"These investments in global health have saved millions of lives, and we hope Congress will form a circle of protection around programs that serve the poorest people in the poorest places," said Beckmann. "As the FY 2012 appropriations negotiations progress, we hope that Congress will protect successful foreign aid programs such as those started by President Bush. They are crucial to our national security."

Bread for the World (www.bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.

SOURCE Bread for the World

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