NewsroomRESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund provide the media with up-to-date, accurate information about hunger and poverty and about the most current legislative actions on Capitol Hill that affect these issues. We provide access to experts on the issues from our staff, hold media briefings and press conferences about news and actions that affect hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world, and issue press briefs to provide journalists with in-depth background on current issues. Muhammad Yunus to Receive Presidential Medal of FreedomRESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund extend heartfelt congratulations to Professor Muhammad Yunus, founder and managing director of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh and longtime RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund board member, on the announcement that he will be awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The White House made public yesterday that Professor Yunus will be one of the sixteen recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Professor Yunus will receive the award from President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony on August 12, 2009. Obama Pledge to Global Fund Can Bring Millennium Goals Within ReachIn a speech before the United Nations General Assembly last September, President Obama declared, “We will support the Millennium Development Goals, and approach next year's summit with a global plan to make them a reality.” As the time approaches to present that plan, a substantial, multi-year pledge to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria is essential for achieving the 2015 MDGs related to global health. To continue the work of life-saving programs and to accelerate the progress against these killer diseases, the United States must commit to contributing $6 billion to the Global Fund over a three-year period beginning in 2012. Download the full document here in MS Word. Transcript: Education for All Act National Media CallConference call featuring Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY); Joanna Kuebler, director of the Global Campaign for Education (U.S.); and Joanne Carter, executive director of RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund. Transcript: World TB Day National Media CallTranscript of 2010 World TB Day national media call. The call featured Joanne Carter, executive director of RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund; Mario Raviglione, director of the WHO Stop TB Department; Kenneth Castro, director of the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Gerald Friedland, professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health at Yale University School of Medicine. Transcript: World TB Day California Media CallConference call for California journalists featuring Dr. Ernesto Jaramillo, Dr. James Watt, Dr. Frank Alvarez, and former TB patient Rachel Orduno Dr. Joanne Carter, executive director of RESULTS, testifies before House Foreign Affairs CommitteeWashington (March 11, 2010) — Dr. Joanne Carter, executive director of RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund, made the following statement before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health about the need to increase Global AIDS funding over President Obama’s budget request. Join RESULTS at Marianne Williamson’s Sister Giant Conference This WeekendRESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund Board Member Marianne Williamson is organizing a three day Sister Giant conference February 26–28, 2010, in Los Angeles to empower women to be major players in changing the world. Day number three will focus on engaging participant in RESULTS. Recipients of Presidential Medal of Freedom Urge Obama to Create Global Fund for EducationWhat do a banker to the poor, a former president, and a religious leader have in common? They are among the first recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama — and they have all called for the creation of a Global Fund for Education. Guardian: Desmond Tutu asks G8 leaders to get world’s children into schoolNobel laureate implores Gordon Brown and Barack Obama ahead of G8 summit to create new global fund for education by end of 2009. Voice of America: G8 Asked to Create Global Education FundNobel laureates and leading human rights activists issued a call for the creation of a Global Fund for Education. They say hundreds of millions of young children and adolescents are unable to attend school and about 770-million adults remain illiterate. Transcript: Global Fund for Education Conference Call with Archbishop Desmond TutuTranscript of call with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Desmond Bermingham calling on G8 to establish a Global Fund for Education Mary Robinson, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Professor Muhammad Yunus Call on Leaders of G8 CountriesWASHINGTON, DC (June 30, 2009) — In an open letter sent today to the leaders of all G8 countries, Desmond M. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town; Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland; and Professor Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank, called on G8 heads of state to renew their commitment to the world’s children. The authors of the letter specifically asked the leaders to announce an agreement on the creation of a Global Fund for Education (GFE) at the G8 Summit, which will be held July 8–10 in L’Aquila, Italy. Press Brief: Obama Must Make Good on Commitment to Global Fund for EducationPress brief detailing why it is critical that President Obama lead the charge for primary education worldwide. Forbes.com: Congress’ Chance To Change The IMFOp-ed by RESULTS Executive Director Joanne Carter and Peter Bujari, executive director of the Human Development Trust in Tanzania. Inter Press Service: NGOs Oppose Nearly $100 Billion Pledge to IMFA broad coalition of civil society groups, as well as some U.S. lawmakers, is fighting what they call a “blank cheque” from the U.S. to expand funding for the International Monetary Fund. Chronicle of Philanthropy: Global-Health Groups Upset by President’s Budget ProposalPresident Obama’s proposal to spend $8.6-billion next year on what he dubbed a “new, comprehensive global-health strategy” has drawn ire from some global-health charities, which say he has requested far less to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria than he had previously pledged. Evaluation Shows World Bank Is Failing on HealthWashington, DC (May 6, 2009) — The Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank today released a report on the last decade of the Bank's programming on health, nutrition, and population that shows a vast majority of the Bank's health programs in Africa are failing to deliver. Reuters: Watchdog gives World Bank a mixed review on healthThe World Bank’s internal watchdog group on April 30, 2009, gave the poverty-fighting agency a mixed review for its efforts to improve health in poor countries and gave it low marks for its work in Africa. Observer: Can the IMF Now Feed the World?The London G20 summit tripled the resources of the International Monetary Fund and made it a major force again, responsible for saving national economies hit by the global crash. But given its recent track record, will its policies do more harm than good? Transcript: Big Read Media CallMedia call conducted in concert with the Global Fund for Education on April 21, 2009, announcing the Big Read, with Owain James, Oxfam, UK; Angelique Kidjo, founder, Batonga Foundation; Assibi Napoe, Chief Regional Coordinator, Education International; and Ishmael Beah, former Sierra Leonean child soldier. Huffington Post: Jordan’s Queen Rania, Congresswoman Nita Lowey Launch “The Big Read”Queen Rania of Jordan joined other leading education advocates Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury Gene Sperling to launch “The Big Read” as part of Global Campaign for Education's global action week calling for quality basic education for all children. World TB Day 2009 Editorial PacketImpoverished people in developing countries share no blame in the current financial crisis, but they are the ones who could bear the consequences perhaps with their lives — of mistakes made by Wall Street investors. RESULTS Commends Reauthorization of Children’s Health BillWashington, DC (February 4, 2009) — RESULTS Educational Fund today commended the United States Congress and President Barack Obama for reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): legislation that provides healthcare for millions of the nation's uninsured children. More Than 100 Million of World’s Poorest Benefit from MicrocreditNew York, NY (January 26, 2009) — More than 106 million of the world’s poorest families received a microloan in 2007, surpassing a goal set ten years earlier, according to a report released today by the Microcredit Summit Campaign. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus Makes Major Announcement about Microcredit Summit GoalWashington, DC (January 12, 2009) — Media Advisory: On January 26, 2009, the Microcredit Summit Campaign will release the State of the Microcredit Summit Campaign Report 2009, with a major announcement. World AIDS Day 2008 Editorial Packet: Fighting AIDS Means Fighting TBPresident-elect Obama must ensure that the five-year, $48 billion Lantos-Hyde Act that he helped pass as a senator this summer is fully funded, allowing the reauthorization of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), as well as programs for TB and malaria. Presidential candidates pledge to fight tuberculosisWashington, DC (October 7, 2008) — Both major presidential candidates issued statements last week pledging to fight tuberculosis globally by funding treatment and prevention efforts. Presidential candidates urged to tackle global TBWashington, DC (October 3, 2008) — Global health experts and activists have joined together to call on the next U.S. president to develop a global initiative to fight tuberculosis (TB). Clinton Global Initiative Highlights RESULTS/REF Commitment on Universal Basic EducationWashington, DC (September 26, 2008) — The RESULTS/RESULTS Educational Fund (REF) is very pleased to announce the selection of our Accelerating Universal Basic Education commitment at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). Presidential candidates call for new efforts to fight global povertyWashington, DC (September 25, 2008) — Both major presidential candidates voiced their support for development initiatives critical to tackling poverty worldwide in their separate addresses to the Clinton Global Initiative. Press Briefing Via Conference Call on Adapting U.S. Foreign Policy to Meet Global Poverty GoalsWashington, DC (September 17, 2008) — Media Advisory: On September 25, world leaders will gather at the United Nations for a high-level event convened by the Secretary-General and the President of the UN General Assembly to re-commit to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Reforming Foreign AidProviding assistance to poor countries has helped the U.S. build positive relationships with other nations and demonstrates the best aspects of U.S. engagement on the world stage. When invested wisely, foreign aid both reflects American values of compassion and justice and serves our national interest in a stable, peaceful world. U.S. Census: More Americans Below Poverty Line in 2007 Than in 2001Washington, DC (August 26, 2008) — The latest data released by the Census Bureau today show that more Americans are likely to be living in poverty in 2007 than they were at the bottom of the last recession in 2001. People Living with HIV Not Being Tested for TuberculosisWashington, DC (August 7, 2008) — A mere 1 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS are reported to have been screened for TB, according to the most recent global data available from the World Health Organization. President to Sign Historic Global Health BillWashington, DC (July 30, 2008) — President George Bush today will sign into law an historic measure to fight global disease. Ensure Funding for Historic Global Health BillPresident Bush has signed the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 into law. This is an historic global health bill, authorizing an unprecedented $48 billion to fight three of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. New Study Reveals Link Between IMF Loans and Increased TB RatesWashington, DC (July 21, 2008) — A new study conducted by researchers at Cambridge and Yale Universities shows that tuberculosis incidence and mortality rates in Eastern European and former Soviet countries rose significantly after countries accepted loans from the International Monetary Fund, and dropped after those programs were discontinued. RESULTS Applauds Senate Passage of Historic Global Health BillWashington, DC (July 17, 2008) — Last evening the Senate voted overwhelmingly to approve an historic global health bill, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. PEPFAR Editorial Packet: Time Running Out on AIDS, TB and Malaria BillWhile great strides have been made against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria over the last five years, more than 5 million people continue to perish from these diseases annually. The Lantos-Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 sets bold targets and authorizes America's share of the resources needed to turn back these infectious killers. U.S. AIDS program is transforming the world; now is not the time to pull backPEPFAR Op-Ed by Joanne Carter Bush, Other G8 Leaders Poised to Break AIDS and Health PromisesWashington, DC (July 2, 2008) — One week before the start of the G8 summit in Hokkaido, Japan, a leaked copy of the latest version of the G8 communiqué contains no reference to the G8's 2010 deadline for reaching universal access to AIDS treatment, prevention and care — a dramatic step backwards according to U.S. advocacy organizations. U.S. leadership on AIDS, TB and malaria at stake as impasse continues on landmark billWashington, DC (July 1, 2008) — The Senate's failure to pass legislation to continue the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria is a great disappointment for a world struggling to thwart these diseases, said RESULTS, a citizens lobby focused on global health and poverty. PEPFAR Editorial Packet: Time Running Out to Pass Major Global Health ActWhen President Bush traveled to Africa, he noted the progress made against AIDS, thanks in no small part to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest achievements of the Bush administration, the resources provided by PEPFAR have undoubtedly saved millions of lives around the world. But now that PEPFAR is being considered for reauthorization, the greatest bipartisan effort in recent years has run into an unfortunate congressional roadblock. Presidential Hopefuls Add Support To Landmark Global AIDS BillWashington, DC (June 20, 2008) — In the last few days, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain both added their names to the U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 (S. 2731). June 2008 PEPFAR Editorial PacketThe most important global health legislation in U.S. history doesn't need more votes. It needs more leadership. Crucial AIDS and Global Health Legislation Stalled in SenateWashington, DC (June 17, 2008) — Press Briefing via Conference Call June 18, 1:00 pm ET Leaders and Activists Call for Action to Stop Global TBWashington, DC (June 12, 2008) — In the first major meeting of its kind, world leaders and global health activists came together on June 9 at the UN headquarters in New York to spur action on the increasingly dangerous connection between the global tuberculosis and the HIV/AIDS pandemics. Open Letter to the Governments of the WorldAs leaders gather in New York for the Global Leaders Forum on TB/HIV, we write as civil society groups, advocates, researchers, and groups of people living with TB and HIV from 65 countries around the world to demand concrete action on TB and HIV. Press Briefing Via Conference Call on Breakthrough UN Forum on Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDSWashington, DC (June 2, 2008) — On June 9, world leaders and members of the global health community will meet for the first time at the United Nations for a Global Leaders Forum on both TB and HIV/AIDS. May 2008 PEPFAR Editorial PacketDuring his recent trip to Africa, President Bush noted the progress made against AIDS, thanks in no small part to the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, however, threatens to undermine that progress. Child Survival Editorial PacketFor mothers in the world's poorest nations, losing a child is an all too common occurrence. Gordon Brown, Robert Zoellick, Shakira to Kick Off Global Campaign for Education Action WeekWashington, DC (April 15, 2008) — On April 21, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, World Bank President Robert Zoellick, and Grammy award-winning artist Shakira will participate in a media conference call to kick off the Global Campaign for Education (GCE) Action Week that will take place April 21-27, 2008. U.S. Must Do More on Global EducationAccess to education is generally considered to be a fundamental right. But for millions of children around the world, even a basic education is unattainable. Stopping TB: Everyone’s ResponsibilityMarch 24, 2008 — TB Op-ed by Patient-Activist Rachel C. Orduno Stalled Progress on TB Worldwide Calls for Urgent ActionWashington, DC (March 18, 2008) — The WHO’s annual report, Global Tuberculosis Control 2008, reports that although progress is being made in detecting and treating tuberculosis, the level of progress has slowed or stalled in high-burden countries, and the absolute number of deaths has risen. Press Briefing/Conference Call on State of Global Tuberculosis Epidemic in Advance of World TB DayWashington, DC (March 11, 2008) — On March 17, the World Health Organization will release its annual report with the latest data on the global tuberculosis epidemic, in advance of World TB Day (March 24). MDR-TB and PEPFAR Editorial PacketDuring his week-long trip to Africa, President Bush noted the progress made against AIDS in that region, thanks in no small part to the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis, however, threatens to undermine that progress. New Global Drug-Resistant TB Data Demand Action from CongressWashington, DC (February 27, 2008) — A new survey of global drug-resistant tuberculosis, Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance in the World, strengthens the case for a major new U.S. initiative on global tuberculosis control. Press Briefing/Conference Call on New Data on Global Threat of Drug-Resistant TB with WHO ExpertsWashington, DC (February 25, 2008) — On February 26, the World Health Organization will release a new surveillance report on drug-resistant tuberculosis titled "Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance in the World." Drug-Resistant TB and PEPFAR Editorial PacketPeople living with HIV/AIDS are much more susceptible to TB, and without effective diagnosis and treatment of drug resistant strains, TB becomes a rapid death sentence. RESULTS Mourns the Passing of Rep. Tom LantosWashington, DC (February 14, 2008) — It is with great sadness that RESULTS learned of the passing of Representative Tom Lantos of California. Members of Congress Call on World Bank to Support Microfinance for the Very PoorWashington, DC (February 8, 2008) — Thirty senators have signed on to a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick urging him to ensure that the Bank invests more in microfinance and, most important, ensures that at least half of all microfinance resources benefit the very poor. 2008 Campaigns: RESULTS Activists Nationwide Tackling Poverty at Home and Abroad in 2008Whether poverty occurs in the slums of Nairobi or the foothills of Appalachia, it can be easier to turn away, and think that the problems are too big, too complex, for any one person to make a difference. The citizen volunteers and partners of RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund know that this is not true. President Bush Proposes Flat Funding for Global AIDS InitiativeWashington, DC (January 28, 2008) — In his final State of the Union address, President Bush missed an opportunity to secure his legacy on fighting HIV/AIDS, instead proposing flat funding for his signature global AIDS initiative. UNICEF Calls for More Action to Halt Preventable Child Deaths Around the WorldUNICEF's The State of the World's Children 2008 report returns to the topic of child survival. The report documents the tremendous progress in children's health in recent decades, highlights the strategies and partnerships that have proven most effective, and outlines the challenges that remain. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Helps Local Activists Launch 2008 Campaign Against Global PovertyWashington, DC (January 8, 2008) — 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus will speak with volunteers of RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund (REF), a nationwide grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty worldwide and here at home, on the first of the organization's monthly national grassroots conference calls of the year, this Saturday, January 12. Kenyan Crisis Shouldn’t Hide Importance of Ladders Out of PovertyLoud emergencies like the post-election violence in Kenya obscure the fact that in the very same slums, in times of relative calm, the quiet emergency of global poverty is being addressed with ladders to climb out of poverty, something that safety nets rarely provide. That's a message World Bank President Robert Zoellick needs to hear when members of Congress meet with him in early 2008 and urge him to get more microloans to the very poor around the world. |