Congresswoman Lee Receives 2009 Children's Champion Award
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2009
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, DC - Yesterday, Congresswoman Barbara Lee received the 2009 Children’s Champion Award from Global Action for Children for being a leader in the fight against the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.
“Children in developing countries face a growing crisis,” said Rep. Lee. “By 2010, the number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS globally is expected to exceed 20 million. Millions more will be made vulnerable through the loss of caregivers, teachers, community leaders, and healthcare workers. I am pleased to work with organizations such as Global Action for Children to address these issues and provide the necessary healthcare, nutrition and education our children so desperately need.”
Rep. Lee has authored and co-authored numerous pieces of legislation addressing the growing needs of orphans and vulnerable children including legislation signed into law creating the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in 2000, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, the PEPFAR Reauthorization Act in 2008, and legislation addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS in 2005.
Global Action for Children is a nonpartisan, results-oriented coalition dedicated to advocating for orphans and highly vulnerable children in the developing world. GAC works to increase funding and ensure it is spent effectively so all children have the health care, education, food, and protection they need to grow up safe and healthy.
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