Senate appropriators increase lifesaving investments in maternal and child health for fiscal year 2025

Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) bill for fiscal year 2025 (FY25) which proposed vital funding increases for US maternal and child health (MCH) programming, including: a $20 million increase for USAID’s core MCH account; level funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in FY25; and report language supporting the US Government’s five-year pledge of no less than $1.58 billion for Gavi’s next strategic cycle which would increase US funding for Gavi starting in fiscal year 2026. These increases in funding are a recognition by the subcommittee that MCH programming is among the most impactful and best value investments the US government can make in improving global health.

PATH applauds the SFOPS subcommittee and the leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Chairwoman Patty Murray and Vice Chairwoman Susan Collins, for their continued bipartisan dedication to ending preventable maternal and child deaths around the globe. This much needed increase in funding to the core MCH account will help USAID continue to expand coverage of essential health interventions, improve the quality of care, and strengthen health systems so mothers can have safer pregnancies and deliveries, newborns can stay healthy in the vulnerable early weeks of life, and more children can reach their fifth birthdays. Investments in core MCH programming also provide complimentary support to Gavi, maximizing both USAID’s and Gavi’s impacts and ensuring lifesaving vaccines can better reach the children who need them.

PATH remains committed to advancing health equity so more mothers and children can thrive. As appropriations bills move into conference between the House and Senate, PATH will continue to advocate alongside our partners to help ensure these vital increases in funding are reflected in a final bill.