By: Karen Remley, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAP, CEO/Executive Vice President, American Academy of Pediatrics
"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) applauds the U.S. Senate for introducing the bipartisan Reach Every Mother and Child Act yesterday. All children deserve the best possible opportunity to survive and thrive, and as its name implies, the bill takes important steps toward achieving that goal.
"The AAP's mission to advance the health and well-being of children knows no borders, and neither does our advocacy. Pediatricians are leading efforts with partners in the U.S. government and across the globe to help end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths within a generation; this bill will help countries build sustainable health systems and support life-saving interventions that are needed to make this possible.
"One of the bill's notable achievements is making permanent the position of maternal and child health coordinator at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which ensures that maternal and child health will be prioritized and coordinated across the agency's programs. For the first time, the end of preventable child and maternal deaths is within reach. USAID is well-placed to achieve this goal, thanks to effective programs, commitments from international partners, and reforms that have increased efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
"A more stable world begins with a healthy childhood – the Reach Act gives children across the globe this chance. The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks the bill's lead co-sponsors, Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) for their commitment to this issue and urges the Senate to advance this important legislation without delay. Investing in global health programs that save lives means investing in our country and world's future."
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds.