AAP Statement on Passage of Global Child Thrive Act

by: Lee Savio Beers, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics

"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) applauds the Global Child Thrive Act becoming law. This vital provision represents an important bipartisan effort that will make significant and necessary strides toward supporting child health around the world.

"Pediatricians understand that healthy, nurturing, and safe environments are critical to a child's lifelong health and development. Without that support, children can face serious consequences to their overall health. Millions of children in low- and middle-income countries suffer from poor development due to inadequate nutrition, lack of stimulation and nurturing care, and exposure to stress. The Global Child Thrive Act will support children globally by integrating proven early childhood interventions – such as training caregivers to provide mental stimulation and nurturing care like singing and reading – into foreign assistance programs that serve children and their families.

"The Global Child Thrive Act advanced as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which also included important AAP-supported provisions that limit potential cuts to medical military personnel, helping to ensure access to needed health care services for military children and families.

"Pediatrician advocacy for children extends far beyond our country's borders. The Academy thanks Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) for their commitment to global child health and their leadership on the Global Child Thrive Act. As this legislation becomes law, we look forward to continuing to work with policymakers across the government to support the health of children and families everywhere."

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 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