Women Deliver News & Updates

$63 Billion Budgeted for the US Global Health Initiative

The United States released an updated budget for the Global Health Initiative (GHI), which was launched in 2002 under the Bush Administration, showing plans to invest $63 billion over six years (2009-2014) to help partner countries improve health outcomes through strengthened health systems - with a particular focus on improving the health of women, newborns and children through programs including infectious disease, nutrition, maternal and child health, and safe water.

Canada’s Prime Minister Highlights Maternal Health

Ottawa, Canada - Canada's Prime Minister, Stephan Harper, is highlighting the healthcare plight of mothers and infants in the developing world as a means of transforming the role of the G8 club of wealthy countries.

Harper is asking the group to focus on development and international security issues and he's hoping maternal and child health will become Canada's "signature" focus at the G8 meeting. Since the G20 has usurped the G8's role as an economic forum, the Prime Minister is hoping these development issues can take center stage at the G8 meetings.