The Canadian Red Cross welcomes Government of Canada announcement on maternal, newborn and child health summit

OTTAWA, March 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross welcomes the continued leadership of the Government of Canada on global maternal newborn and child health with the announcement that Canada will host a high-level summit on this issue in May, 2014.

"We are pleased to hear that the Canadian government has clearly stated that maternal and child health is a flagship program for them as it is key priority for us at the Canadian Red Cross," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. "The high-level forum will be a great opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the government and key stakeholders about how we can best collaborate to achieve the common goal of ensuring all women, newborns and children have a healthy future."

Maternal, newborn and child health programs supported by the Canadian Red Cross enhance access to life-saving basic health interventions for vulnerable women and children around the world.

With support from the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross has invested more than $70 million towards saving lives and improving health outcomes mothers and children in 21 developing countries. In response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Canadian Red Cross implemented a $35 million health program to help improve access to health services for mothers, their newborns and children. This program, in partnership with the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre of Montreal, the Public Health Directorate of Quebec, and the International Health Unit at the University of Montreal, will reconstruct the healthcare system of Haiti's South-East department and is designed to maximize long-term benefits for the most vulnerable groups. It aims to improve access to quality healthcare services for mothers, newborns and children, as well as build stronger communities in terms of community-based health and first aid. 

 "Promoting health in countries around the world is an important part of the Red Cross' work. Our maternal, newborn and child health programs have benefited over 40 million people and we look forward to reaching more individuals in need," adds Sauvé.

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 189 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

SOURCE: Canadian Red Cross

For more information or to arrange an interview: Canadian Red Cross media line, 613-740-1994