As a medical professional, I am familiar with many illnesses that are easily treated in the U.S. such as pneumonia, diarrhea and malnutrition. Tragically, every year around the world, 5.9 million children die from preventable causes such as these, and more than 800 women die every day from complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Recently, a bipartisan group of senators introduced the Reach Every Mother and Child Act (Reach Act). This legislation would scale up proven and cost-effective measures and create a comprehensive strategy to save millions of women and children by 2020. Even better, the bill is budget-neutral, thus utilizing resources that already exist.

I am so proud that the U.S. has been a global leader for the past three decades in helping to save the lives of mothers and children from preventable deaths. This legislation gives our country the chance to continue its leadership and keep its promise to help end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths.

Regardless of which party we represent, we must join hands, and improve maternal and child health. Recently, as part of a group representing Save the Children Action Network, I met with Congressman Dave Reichert, and I am pleased to say that he told us he plans to reintroduce the Reach Act in the House of Representative this September.

Thank you, Rep. Reichert.

– Jessica Galvez