World Vision Praises Introduction of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act

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A medical staff member examines an infant at Kinihira Health Center in Rwanda. World Vision helped to provide health training and supplies for the center, which was built by the government. PHOTO: Lucy Aulich/World Vision
A medical staff member examines an infant at Kinihira Health Center in Rwanda. World Vision helped to provide health training and supplies for the center, which was built by the government. PHOTO: Lucy Aulich/World Vision

WASHINGTON, DC (July 31, 2015)— World Vision praises Thursday’s introduction of the Reach Every Mother and Child Act in the Senate, and urges broad bi-partisan support for the bill.

Introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Chris Coons (D-DE), the Reach Every Mother and Child Act will work to dramatically accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths worldwide – helping achieve the U.S. commitment of ending these deaths by 2035. The bill calls for a scaling up of evidence-based and cost-effective solutions, while requiring a coordinated U.S. government strategy to save the lives of vulnerable mothers and children.

“We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Collins and Coons in introducing this legislation,” said World Vision’s Director of Government Relations Lisa Bos. “The goal of ending preventable maternal and child deaths is achievable, but it will take renewed commitment, coordination and resources. This bill builds on the progress we’ve made and is critical for ensuring we reach every mother and child. We hope every Member of the Senate will support this legislation.”

Maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) is a central element of World Vision’s strategy to build governments’ and communities’ capacities to deliver lifesaving health services. World Vision addresses MNCH through a continuum of care and life cycle approach in order to promote health practices and prevent major causes of disease. World Vision’s global advocacy campaign, Child Health Now, has focused on reducing preventable deaths of children under five. The campaign calls on donor countries, local governments, and NGO partners to cooperatively address critical health needs around the world.

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

Highlights

  • Bill will work to dramatically accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths worldwide.
  • World Vision’s global advocacy campaign, Child Health Now, has focused on reducing preventable deaths of children under five. The campaign calls on donor countries, local governments, and NGO partners to cooperatively address critical health needs around the world.