Pregnant women and young children are among the most vulnerable populations in developing nations. Every day, children around the world die from treatable illnesses, and 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth complications. By investing in expectant mothers and young children, we pave the way for healthier, happier and more independent future generations.
The USAID is currently responsible for allocating and dispersing funds intended for international aid. The Reach Every Mother and Child Act (S.1730) proposes the USAID target existing funding towards maternal and child health. Focus on maternal health makes sense, because, according to the National Institute for Health, “healthier women and their children contribute to more productive and better-educated societies.” In 2016, both U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski put forth their support for the Reach Act. Despite profound bipartisan support in Congress, it did not receive a vote in 2016, and was re-introduced in 2017.
The Reach Act’s goals transcend traditional party lines, and make not only moral, but medical and long-term economic sense. I would like to thank Sullivan for his renewed commitment to maternal and child health in the 115th Congress. Additionally, I implore Murkowski to step up and renew her support for this bill.
Lauren Jerew,
Homer