Binational Border TB Project

AUSTIN, TEXAS      It is shocking to hear the World Health Organization issue a warning at a London news conference attributing many deaths to a deadly new strain of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa.

Texas and Mexico are actively meeting the challenges of the resurgence of this ancient enemy.  Under the leadership of PDG Clift Price of Rotary District 5870, the cohesion of the state fight is well under way.  The TB+ Steering Committee is honored to announce the addition of PDG Ted Holder (District 5730), PDG Conrad Heede (District 5790), and Kathy Townsend (District 5830) to the coalition between Districts 4110 and 4130 of Mexico and Districts 5520, 5790, 5810, 5840, 5870 and 5930 in Texas.

 So where are we?

*  January 2004   Strategic Planning Meeting in McAllen

*  March 2004      1st Proclamation in support of TB

*  October 2004    Rotary Bi-national TB Summit with published Strategic Plan

*  October 2004    Member of Bi-national Leadership Alliance for Tuberculosis

*  October 2004    Rotary TB Plus Campaign 3 H Grant Large Matching Grant

*  March 2005   Rotarians honored by Health Department of Texas, TB Div.

*  April 2005   Proclamation by Texas Legislature for Rotary Involvement

*  July 2006   Rotary Week for World Health (RC Austin) focuses on TB

*  September 2006  3 H Proposal for the Reynosa Center of Excellence

*  September 2006  Zone 25/26 budget of $150,000 to match American Red Cross Contribution of 

   $150,000

Fitting it all together

  Health Department of Matamoros  Health Department of Reynosa

  Health Department of Nuevo Laredo  Health Department of Texas – TB Division

  The Texas Bi-national TB Projects  Texas and Tamaulipas State TB Coordinators

  The Maquiladora Association TB program  Faith-based Health Initiatives

  Universities  The American Red Cross/Mexican Red Cross

We are integrating the former 3H projects in Monterrey and Rio Bravo into the Reynosa concept to demonstrate that the Rotary Foundation investment continues to support public health.   Because of the increasing threat of TB along our border due both to migration and diabetes, we Rotarians, being mentored by Dr. Canseco, can be very proud of our ability to “influence” public health policy.  Please check us out on our Web Site, www.ribordertb.org.