The recent tuberculosis exposure in Auburn reminds us that this disease is still around (“MultiCare Auburn Medical Center notifying patients of tuberculosis exposure,” Auburn Reporter, Nov. 13).

TB is now the world’s No. 1 infectious killer and is not diagnosed in nearly 40 percent of the 10 million new cases each year. It is definitely a pandemic that needs to treated globally, and thanks to the U.S. leadership, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and malaria received an increase in funding for the next three years.

We need to ask our representatives to make sure the funding for this battle continues. Our protection locally depends on dealing with these pandemics globally, and our calls and letters help those who represent us in Congress know that this matters.

– Willie Dickerson