A step toward increased global health funding

Yesterday, the US House passed a controversial $515.7 billion spending measure for 2008. It seems to have been an unsatisfactory compromise by Republicans, Democrats, and many special interest groups. The good news is that it included significant increases in funding for extreme poverty and global disease programs.

If passed by the Senate, the 2008 budget would include over $7 billion spent on global health programs, which will literally make the difference between life and death for millions of people.

Some additional highlights from the bill below:

1. Basic education: The federal government will provide $694 million for grants to organizations that support basic education programs around the world. An estimated 72 million children worldwide lack access to basic education.
2. Access to safe drinking water: With $298 million allocated for safe water programs, this legislation will enable high-priority countries to provide safe drinking water, build water systems and implement hygiene programs.
3. Child and maternal health: The funding would provide $450 million dedicated to improving child and maternal health. Everyday, 27,000 children die from preventable, treatable diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia and measles. Additional funding for child and maternal health programs will provide effective, affordable preventative measures such as immunizations, antibiotics, clean drinking water and vitamin supplements.

On to the Senate... we'll keep you posted!