[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E777-E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IMPROVE CHILD SURVIVAL AND MATERNAL HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2002

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
along with my colleague, Representative Connie Morella, voicing this 
body's commitment to improving the health of mothers and children 
around the world. This resolution illustrates that an increased 
commitment to improving the health of the world's mothers and children 
will have a long-term impact on the political, economic, and social 
progress of developing countries. The stability of our own nation 
depends significantly on the economic and political situation of 
developing nations. Their economic and political progression cannot be 
realized unless the health of their people is improved. The global 
community acknowledges this need.
  On May 8-10, representatives from over 179 countries met at the 
United Nations Special Session on Children. During this meeting, they 
reviewed the progress made since the 1990 World Summit for Children and 
renewed their pledge to improve the lives of the world's children over 
the next decade.
  Our Administration also acknowledges that investing in better health 
increases a country's

[[Page E778]]

ability to prosper. President Bush made a wise decision when he 
proposed increased funding for global HIV/AIDS programs at USAID. But 
it is disconcerting that his budget also recommends a $25 million 
decrease in support for maternal and child health programs. Difficult 
choices must be made, understandably, but funds should not be shifted 
from one essential health program to another.
  At this precarious time in our world, we cannot lose sight of the 
health of women, the primary caregivers who instill values and provide 
hope for their children, the future of every society. Every year, over 
500,000 women die during pregnancy and childbirth. The vast majority of 
these lives could be saved by low-tech, low-cost interventions. The 
health of a child and her mother are closely intertwined, and good 
maternal health is essential for the survival of both mother and child. 
In developing countries, a mother's death in childbirth due to 
malnutrition, or inadequate prenatal and delivery care, means almost 
certain death for her newborn child.
  We must also invest substantially more in programs that improve the 
health of young children. Every year, nearly 11 million die needlessly 
before their fifth birthday--almost all from diseases easily prevented 
or readily treated. For example, pennies worth of antibiotics could 
save three million children who will die this year of pneumonia.
  Mr. Speaker, the resolution calls for increased funding for basic 
child survival and maternal health programs of at least $500 million 
dollars. This figure is just a small investment when the dividends 
would be political stability, international security, and a renewed 
hope for the future of mothers and children around the world. 
Representative Morella and I urge our colleagues to join us in 
supporting this important resolution.

                          ____________________