Reps. Panetta, Mast Introduce Resolution Supporting Efforts to Protect U.S. Military Personnel from Malaria

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL) introduced H.Res. 214, recognizing the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and its leadership in researching and protecting servicemembers from infectious diseases such as malaria.

"The Department of Defense recognizes malaria as the number one infectious disease threat to the United States Armed Forces and the impact that it has had on generations of men and women who have served our nation around the world," said Congressman Panetta. "WRAIR's work to prevent and treat cases of malaria is in the United States' national security, foreign affairs, political, and humanitarian interests. This resolution affirms Congress's support of their efforts and encourages their continued leadership."

"Congress should do all we can to help the United States continue to lead the fight against preventable diseases like malaria. Supporting Walter Reed's continuous efforts in improving care for our veterans and their innovative research in the prevention and treatment of malaria is a bipartisan goal we can all get behind," said Congressman Mast.

The resolution supports the United States military's current goals of researching new interventions to prevent and treat malaria, as well as sustained or enhanced research efforts so that once eliminated in a country the disease does not return. The bill also encourages continued leadership by WRAIR to ensure that the health of our armed force is not jeopardized by vector-borne diseases.