NaLEC Statement on FY 2026 Global Health Funding

January 2026

The National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC) welcomes the inclusion of global health funding in the FY 2026 appropriations package and commends bipartisan efforts to sustain lifesaving humanitarian programs that protect the world’s most vulnerable people.

As a faith-based coalition representing over 4,000 Latino evangelical churches, pastors, and leaders across the United States, NaLEC affirms that global health investments are both morally responsible and profoundly effective. Programs addressing HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, vaccines, malaria, and polio save millions of lives each year and strengthen communities worldwide.

Protecting Lives Through Proven Programs

NaLEC is particularly encouraged by continued support for the PEPFAR program, which has saved more than 25 million lives globally since its creation, as well as the availability of discretionary funding for vaccine initiatives such as Gavi. These programs have a proven record of effectiveness, accountability, and partnership with local communities and faith-based organizations.

Stewardship and Responsibility

Global health funding represents less than one percent of the total U.S. federal budget, yet yields an extraordinary return in lives saved, illness prevented, and long-term stability. These investments reflect responsible stewardship of public resources and demonstrate that compassion and fiscal prudence are not in conflict.

From a Christian perspective, caring for the sick and protecting life is not optional - it is integral to faithful witness. “I was sick and you looked after me.” (Matthew 25:36)

NaLEC’s Faith-Based Engagement

NaLEC has consistently engaged global health through pastoral education, faith-based advocacy, and partnership, equipping Latino evangelical leaders to understand, support, and speak faithfully about lifesaving programs addressing HIV/AIDS, vaccines, maternal health, malaria, and polio. Please see NaLEC’s Global Health Teaching & Policy Primer, which provides theological, educational, and policy context for pastors, leaders, and congregations seeking to understand why global health matters to our faith and our public witness.

Our Call

NaLEC calls on faith leaders to remain engaged - through prayer, education, and public witness - recognizing that love of neighbor extends beyond national borders. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” (Proverbs 31:8)