Conservative need to fund TB REACH

Canada plays an important role in fighting Tuberculosis worldwide

To the editor:

For some reason, I cannot let go of the dream of having TB REACH funded.

Here is an organization that with so little, can do so much. If you are ready to point to the Global Fund and say, “Hey, we’re on it,” please take a closer look.

TB REACH funds new, innovative ideas for fighting one of the world’s oldest diseases, whereas the Global Fund needs strong evidence that a certain approach works before it can support it.

Dr. Mark Dybul, the executive director of the Global Fund, wrote a letter to the International Economic Development Minister Christian Paradis, stating why the Global Fund needs TB REACH to keep running and why.

TB REACH needs a mere $120 million over the next five years to stay in the business of reaching the hardest to reach Tuberculosis patients. This is, relatively speaking, a small amount and it will still keep Canada well below Lester Pearson’s recommended 0.7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product for international aid funding.

Would the Tory caucus kindly rise to the occasion and make my dream come true?

Connie Lebeau

Victoria

100 Mile House Free Press