RESULTS global health speaker tour unites firsthand expertise and community for action

Maurine Murenga knows firsthand how U.S. support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is lifesaving. She survived tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and is living with HIV. Now an HIV expert and advocate, Maurine joined RESULTS for an Expert Speaker in Washington, D.C. and Florida. She shared her story with community members, the media, and members of Congress.

When Maurine tested positive for HIV in 2002, the diagnosis was a death sentence in her home country, Kenya. She was given six months to live. Doctors also said she may not live to give birth to her unborn son. But Maurine joined a support group turned advocacy group.Together, they urged the government to work with the newly-created Global Fund. 

The global partnership brought much-needed HIV and TB prevention and treatment. It saved the lives of Maurine, her older son, and 65 million others around the world. Now, Maurine represents communities affected by HIV and TB to the Global Fund Board. She also founded an organization to provide care to women and children facing HIV and TB. Thanks to medical innovation, she gave birth to a second son who is HIV-free.

But the longstanding bipartisan U.S. support for the Global Fund is at high risk right now. Recent attacks by the White House on foreign aid have changed the landscape. Members of Congress on the Foreign Affairs and Appropriations committees need to hear how the U.S. commitment to the Global Fund must continue. It saves lives and keeps Americans safe from infectious diseases.

Maurine came to the U.S. for a week-long Expert Tour with RESULTS. She met with 13 congressional offices, focusing on those with leadership positions on global health. The tour started with Congress in D.C. She educated staffers on the impact of the Global Fund. She reminded them that the U.S. has historically funded the maximum dollar match amount of 1:2 with enthusiastic bipartisan support. It’s critical to continue the 1:2 match with this year’s Global Fund replenishment. In the photo below, Maurine explains the impact of the Global Fund to a congressional staffer taking studious notes.

South Florida was the next stop. Maurine shared her story with bipartisan congressional offices alongside local RESULTS volunteers. Below, Representative Salazar’s (far right) and Senator Moody’s (second from right) staff listen intently.

RESULTS groups also invited Maurine to lead events that build community. Below, Maurine and RESULTS Miami volunteers pose with congressional staff after a strong relationship-building meeting.

The Expert Tour also engaged new RESULTS volunteers. Maurine connected with new advocates in three Florida counties. In the photo below, new volunteers in Broward County pose with Maurine and RESULTS staff after a congressional coffee with aides from Representatives Frankel’s and Moskowitz’s offices. This was the first-ever lobby meeting for the new volunteers! 

In this photo, community members interested in global health hear from Maurine. She emphasized how medical innovation has improved her life. U.S. investments played an important role in that.

The Florida-based medical community also connected with Maurine. Below, Maurine presents and shares slides with a rapt audience of Florida International University medical students. They asked great questions.

Maurine engaged with RESULTS volunteers across South Florida. Her visit inspired them to gather. Together, they heard from Maurine about the devastating impact if the U.S. steps away from the Global Fund and USAID foreign aid. They left their gatherings primed for action. Below, a group of RESULTS folks pose with Maurine!

Advocates also took action together! Below, advocates write postcards asking their members of Congress to uphold U.S. leadership on the Global Fund.

New and seasoned advocates in key congressional districts are demanding continued support for global health. Want to join Maurine and RESULTS volunteers in taking action? Write to the media and call on Congress to uphold the 1:2 matching commitment and prioritize the Global Fund this year.