Title: Support for Child Survival
Author:
Section/SPIG: International Health
Issue Date:
IH Section members will be glad to know that there is a US Coalition for Child Survival dedicated to public education and advocacy. Originally formed in 1999 to focus attention on the United Nations Special Session on Children, the Coalition initiated a number of activities to highlight US contributions to child survival and the need to maintain high-level support and funding for child-saving activities. Following the Special Session, through a consensus agreement of its members, the Coalition reorganized to facilitate the continuation of its work beyond the Special Session.
The Coalition held its first full membership meeting in July. The meeting brought together nearly 25 organizations to discuss how members can increase awareness of the unfinished child survival agenda. As a result of the meeting, more than 15 organizations signed a letter addressed to members of Congress supporting an increase in funding for child survival and maternal health to $500 million in FY '04. This is the first of many strong grassroots initiatives that will be mounted by the US Coalition.
Today, the Coalition provides a forum for a diverse group of partners to work together. Their goal is to strengthen the US and global commitment and resources for improving survival, health, and nutrition of children in developing countries. By working in collaboration to disseminate common messages, build commitment, and mobilize resources for child survival goals, the Coalition hopes to maximize its impact on policies and programs that affect the health of mothers and children worldwide.
The Coalition's work is being guided by a Steering Committee that acts both as advisor and implementer of Coalition goals. David Oot, an IH Section Councilor, is chair. IH Section chair Ray Martin also serves on the Steering Committee. Members represent consulting firms, academia, USAID, business, faith-based organizations and public education and advocacy organizations. There is also active student participation. The group meets on a regular basis to coordinate future activities to advance the child survival agenda. Members of the US Coalition are encouraged to participate in task forces that carry out the work of the coalition.
For more information about the US Coalition for Child Survival or to become a member, either as an organization or as an individual, please visit: <www.child-survival.org>.
---Alison Thomas, Global Health Council