WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S.
Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH),
and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today announced that they have been
named to the Center for Strategic and International
Studies (CSIS) Task Force on Women’s and Family Health.
The goal of the CSIS Task Force is to develop consensus
on pragmatic policy recommendations for how the United
States can continue to make an effective and sustained
impact on global women’s and family health.
“Nearly all maternal and child deaths occur in the
developing world, and each year, millions of these
deaths occur because of treatable or preventable
causes,” said Senator Collins. “I am
honored to have been named to this task force. It is
vital that the United States continue to provide global
leadership in the areas of maternal, newborn, and child
health.”
“The work of this task force is not only to address the
most common health risk factors for women and children –
it’s to unlock the full potential of half of our world’s
population,” said Senator Shaheen. “The
United States is a leader in this endeavor, and our Task
Force is dedicated to sharing our health successes
globally, particularly as they pertain to women and
families. I am proud to be a part of this important
mission.”
“Women and families who have access to healthcare and
clean water are key for communities to thrive,”
Senator Kirk said. “By halting
the spread of diseases through increased access to
vaccines and working to prevent maternal and child
deaths, we can improve the lives of women and children
around the world.”
Millions of pregnant women, new mothers, and children
experience severe illness or death each year, largely
from preventable or treatable causes. Almost all
maternal and child deaths (99 percent) occur in the
developing world, with Africa being the hardest hit
region. Each year, there are an estimated 6.3 million
deaths of children under age five – primarily infants.
In addition, approximately 289,000 women die during
pregnancy and childbirth each year, and millions more
experience severe adverse consequences.
Recognized as leaders on efforts to improve the lives of
many around the world, all three senators have worked to
support bipartisan legislation, including the
International Violence Against Women Act and the Reach
Every Mother and Child Act, to bolster the U.S.
responses to gender-based violence and maternal and
child health and help ensure that women and young
children are able to reach their full potential, no
matter where they are born. Both the International
Violence Against Women Act and the Reach Every Mother
and Child Act were sponsored by Senator Collins.
The CSIS Task Force on Women’s and Family Health is
co-chaired by Helene Gayle, President and CEO of
McKinsey Social Initiative, and John Hammergren,
Chairman, President, and CEO of McKesson Corporation,
and will meet throughout 2016.
The original press release can be read
here.
