Washington, DC (June 11, 2019) – Yesterday, Global Health Council (GHC) applauded U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Chris Coons (D-DE) who led a bipartisan group of 22 Senators to reintroduce the Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2019. This bipartisan legislation aims to accelerate the reduction of preventable child, newborn, and maternal deaths, putting us within reach of the global commitment to end these deaths within a generation.
“U.S. investments and leadership in maternal and child health programs have led to a drastic reduction in the number of maternal, newborn, and child deaths. Yet the number of deaths every year from preventable conditions such as diarrhea or complications during labor remain unacceptably high,” said Loyce Pace, GHC President and Executive Director. “The Reach Every Mother and Child Act ensures that we are maximizing these investments to save the lives of women and children around the world.”
The Reach Act builds upon the success of such global health initiatives as PEPFAR and the President’s Malaria Initiative, and would enact key reforms that increase the effectiveness and impact of USAID maternal and child survival programs.
Specifically, the legislation would require a coordinated U.S. government strategy that addresses ending preventable child and maternal deaths, as well as institute reporting requirements to improve efficiency, transparency, accountability, and oversight of maternal and child health programs. In addition, it would establish the position of Child and Maternal Survival Coordinator at USAID and ensure that the return on U.S. investments are maximized through a scale-up of the highest impact, evident-based interventions.
In addition to Senators Collins and Coons, the Reach Act is sponsored by Pat Roberts (R-KS), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Shelley Moore Capitol (R-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Gerald Moran (R-KS), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Jack Reed (D-RI).
About Global Health Council
Established in 1972, Global Health Council (GHC) is the leading membership organization supporting and connecting advocates, implementers, and stakeholders around global health priorities worldwide. GHC represents the collaborative voice of the community on key issues; we convene stakeholders around key priorities and actively engage with decision makers to influence global health policy. Learn more at www.globalhealth.org. Follow GHC on Twitter or “Like” us on Facebook for more information.
The post U.S. Senators Reintroduce Legislation Aimed to Save Lives of Women and Children Around the World appeared first on Global Health Council.