September 2020 Laser Talk: Ask Congress to Prioritize Global COVID-19 Response

Engage: I’m calling/writing to ask the senator/representative to protect U.S. investments in global health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Problem: COVID-19 is having a devastating impact in low-income nations. The World Bank estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic could drive 100 million people into extreme poverty. And without urgent action, the number of people facing hunger is expected to double to 265 million by the end of 2020, according to the World Food Program.

Inform: But increasing U.S. support to existing global health programs to ramp up service, create alternative methods of delivery, and prepare for the production and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine could make all the difference. It is imperative that we increase U.S. support to existing global health programs and do so quickly.

Call to Action: Will you please write and speak to Senate/House leadership and ask that they include at least $20 billion for international development in a COVID-19 supplemental bill, including:

• $4 billion for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria over 2 years,
• $4 billion for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance,
• $2 billion for anti-hunger efforts, with at least $500 million for nutrition?