WESTPORT, Conn. (March 11, 2009) — New bi-partisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday would provide millions of children and mothers with a better chance at survival through expansion of basic health care measures and services. The measure, named the Newborn, Child, and Mother Survival Act of 2009, was introduced by Reps. Betty McCollum (D-MN), along with Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Lois Capps (D-CA) and is supported by the U.S. Coalition for Child Survival, whose members include the global humanitarian organization Save the Children. 

“Keeping mothers and children in the world’s poorest countries alive and healthy before, during, and after childbirth is a global health priority for me, and I want to make it a priority for this Congress and the Obama administration. The Newborn, Child, and Mother Survival Act is an important step toward restoring our nation’s commitment to reduce child mortality and maternal deaths. U.S. leadership is essential to save the lives of the millions who die needlessly each year,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-4), co-founder and co-chair of the Global Health Caucus and Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.

Rumi, age 1, was treated for pneumonia through a health program funded by U.S. govt. investments.

"U.S. leadership and investments in global child survival programs have helped to decrease under-5 child deaths dramatically in many countries. Despite this progress, more than 25,000 children under 5 still die each day of highly preventable causes," said David Oot, head of health and nutrition at Save the Children and chair of the U.S. Coalition for Child Survival. "This House action will help save the lives of mothers and babies by bringing proven, affordable health measures to families in communities that need them."

The Newborn, Child, and Mother Survival Act of 2009 calls for U.S. leadership to reduce the deaths of more than 9 million children under age 5, including almost 4 million newborns, and more than half a million mothers each year.  If passed, the bill would put the United States in a position to make highly effective health care measures available to vulnerable mothers, newborns and children in developing countries. 

 "No parents should have to bear the pain of seeing a child die from illnesses like diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria, all of which can be prevented or treated inexpensively," said former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., chair of Save the Children's child survival campaign, Survive to 5. "This legislation will mean simple, cost-effective tools to save more than 5 million children each year are within closer reach of families throughout the world."

Sixty Developing Countries to Benefit

Research shows that the vast majority of under-5 child deaths could be prevented if all mothers and children, especially the poorest, had access to a package of low-cost services and practices like antibiotics to fight infections, oral rehydration solution to treat diarrhea, immunizations against tetanus and training for birth attendants.

“As the co-chair of the Global Health Caucus, I’m excited to introduce this vital legislation, which will help free those trapped in the poverty cycle caused by a lack of access to quality health care. This legislation will authorize a global health strategy for reducing child and maternal mortality, but more importantly, can and will bring hope to those who need it the most,” said Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA).

The Newborn, Child, and Mother Survival Act of 2009 would develop an integrated U.S. strategy for reducing child and maternal mortality, set up a task force to make sure every dollar spent goes where it's needed most and authorize funding for maternal and child health programs in 60 developing countries. 

"Save the Children looks forward to working on this important bill with Congress and the Obama administration so it is passed and signed into law this year," said Charles MacCormack, president and CEO of Save the Children.

Save the Children is the leading, independent organization creating lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. For more than 75 years, Save the Children has been helping children survive and thrive by improving their health, education and economic opportunities and, in times of acute crisis, mobilizing lifesaving assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. For more information, visit: www.savethechildren.org