Great news on maternal and child health today.  On behalf of the Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates committed $1.5 billion to support integrated women’s and children’s health programs in developing countries at the Women Deliver Conference in Washington, DC.  The United States through the Global Health Initiative shares the goals of the Gates Foundation to improve the health and nutritional status of women and children worldwide.  While progress in reducing maternal and under-five mortality has been made, much remains to be done.  The new commitment of the Gates Foundation highlights the need for the global community to develop more integrated approaches to women’s and children’s health.  It also plans to evaluate innovative programs and share effective strategies with other countries.   This approach will help national governments achieve lasting reductions in maternal and under-five deaths.   USAID welcomes the opportunity to partner with Gates and other partners in this effort.