WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 2, 2010) — Save the Children commends President Obama on his proposed fiscal year 2011 budget submission that significantly increases the U.S. Government's investment in maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition. 

"The President's budget request, coupled with release of his Global Health Initiative consultation document, marks a very good day for everyone working to prevent the needless deaths of millions of women and children in the developing world," said Charles MacCormack, president and CEO of Save the Children.

"The emergency in Haiti presents the world community with a huge challenge, but we must not forget that worldwide we lose almost 25,000 children each day, and we can prevent this tragedy." 

Last year, worldwide, almost 9 million children, and 530,000 women, died of largely preventable or treatable causes. The United States, in partnership with other donors and governments in developing countries, can dramatically reduce these deaths by supporting the rapid scaling-up of proven, low-cost interventions and by building the capacity to sustain the delivery of these lifesaving programs. 

The President's Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative, focusing on reducing malnutrition for millions of children under 5 by 2015, and the Global Health Initiative, are a clear demonstration of U.S. leadership in advancing these objectives.  These initiatives reflect strong investment and sound principles emphasizing developing country-ownership, strategic coordination among donors and U.S. agencies and mechanisms for ensuring improved accountability.

"We strongly support the President's proposed overall increase in the international affairs budget despite the tough economic environment and strongly encourage the Congress to support the Administration's request for the funding needed to accelerate the global effort to alleviate poverty, fight disease and create economic opportunity," said MacCormack. "Funding for such programs is both an investment in our national security and our common humanity." 

"We commend especially the President's commitment to fighting child hunger around the world, and the Administration's recognition that robust investments in simple, cost-effective solutions can dramatically reduce childhood deaths. We urge continued prioritization of initiatives to reduce poverty, strengthen global health and food security initiatives, and provide humanitarian relief to better support children in need in Haiti and worldwide."

Save the Children looks forward to further consultations with the Administration on the details of its two initiatives.

Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.