This past week, Senator Schumer was re-elected into office and will be the Senate minority leader this coming new year. Senator Schumer is an iconic American leader and is also a champion for global health issues. He recently pushed for Emergency Zika Funding and has supported the increase in funds for PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria.

However despite his efforts in increasing awareness and funding for global health issues he has not cosponsored the Reach Every Mother and Child Act. The Reach Every Mother and Child Act aims to redirect existing U.S. investments to lower maternal and child mortality rates abroad. The purpose of the act is to increase evidence-based interventions and appointing a coordinator to oversee functions and funding in the poorest and most vulnerable populations in the world. This reform will help reach the overarching goal of zero preventable maternal and child deaths by 2035.

Both Senator Gillibrand and Representative Hanna Lee have cosponsored the Reach Every Mother and Child Act. Please call Senator Schumer’s office (607) 772-6792 to show your support for this bill. It is urgent that this bill is put up for a vote before the end of the year especially with a new upcoming congressional agenda.

Signed,

Melissa Chacko