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.
Updates
Maternal Health in Haiti on PBS
February 2nd, 2010
The PBS newsmagazine show NOW on PBS highlighted maternal mortality in Haiti on Friday night with an interview from Ann Starrs, president of Family Care International. While Haiti's catastrophic earthquake has left lives and institutions in ruin, it has also exacerbated a longtime lethal risk in Haiti: Dying during childbirth. Challenges in transportation, education, and quality health care contribute to Haiti having the highest maternal mortality rate in the Western Hemisphere, a national crisis even before the earthquake struck.
Canada’s Prime Minister Highlights Maternal Health
January 28th, 2010
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.
Ideas for Change: Investing in Women
January 25th, 2010
Change.org just launched the 2010 Ideas for Change in America competition and the White Ribbon Alliance has submitted a call to the US government to make maternal and newborn health a priority by investing in women. Their idea is titled: Invest in a More Stable World, Invest in Women.
Emergency in Haiti: Maternal Health Supplies Rushed to Disaster Areas
January 16th, 2010
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A major earthquake centered just 10 miles from Port-au-Prince has devastated the country, killing an estimated 200,000 people. Survivors are struggling to find necessary resources, such as food, water and health supplies. The Reproductive Health Response in Conflict (RHRC) Consortium estimates that there are approximately 63,000 pregnant women in Port-au‐Prince, 7,000 of whom will deliver in the coming month. Further, 15% (9,450 women) of all pregnant women will also require care for life threatening pregnancy complications.