With its focus on neglected diseases and health system strengthening, President Barack Obama's global health initiative represents an important first step for the new Administration

Geneva, 14 May 2009 - Despite the daily challenges of an ongoing financial crisis, climate change and several conflicts, global health is high on the agenda of the new US administration.

GAVI welcomes this leadership and important first step for the new Administration.

Julian Lob-Levyt, GAVI CEO

President Barack Obama has announced a new comprehensive global health initiative worth $63 billion over six years. In addition to maintaining US leadership on HIV/AIDS through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), President Obama is also requesting additional resources over a multi-year period for maternal and child health.

GAVI welcomes this leadership and important first step for the new Administration, particularly the focus on health system strengthening and neglected diseases like pneumonia and rotavirus. Accelerating the introduction of new vaccines against these major childhood killers is central to GAVI's mission to further decrease child mortality in developing countries.

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