President Obama Calls for Strengthening Public Health in Africa

Obamas Visit Maternity Clinic in Ghana

ACCRA, GHANA, July 11, 2009 - In a speech today to the Ghanaian Parliament, President Obama called for an integrated and comprehensive American response to the health issues facing Africa.

Earlier in the day, Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama visited La General Hospital, a U.S. Agency for International Development-funded hospital, to see the maternal health services provided. According to press reports, the President told reporters, "Part of reason this is so important is that throughout Africa, the rate of both infant mortality but also maternal mortality is still far too high."

During his speech to Parliament, Obama said, “I just saw a wonderful clinic and hospital that is focused particularly on maternal health. But too many still die from diseases that shouldn't kill them. When children are being killed because of a mosquito bite, and mothers are dying in childbirth, then we know that more progress must be made.”

The President noted that the administration has committed $63 billion to invest in and support a comprehensive global health strategy. He stated, “Building on the strong efforts of President Bush, we will carry forward the fight against HIV/AIDS. We will pursue the goal of ending deaths from malaria and tuberculosis, and we will work to eradicate polio. We will fight — we will fight neglected tropical disease. And we won't confront illnesses in isolation — we will invest in public health systems that promote wellness and focus on the health of mothers and children.

Jeffrey L. Sturchio, President and CEO of the Global Health Council, stated “The President made a strong statement today to the women, children and families in Ghana and throughout Africa that the United States is committed to working in partnership to reduce maternal and child deaths on the continent.”

In May, President Obama unveiled a comprehensive six-year, $63 billion Global Health Initiative beginning with fiscal year 2009.

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