Benchmarking Progress and Looking Ahead: The Second Global Childhood Pneumonia Forum 

The second Global Childhood Pneumonia Forum was held on April 26-27, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain and was attended by representatives from 14 “focus” countries with an especially high burden of childhood pneumonia, advocacy partners, and development stakeholders. USAID Assistant Administrator Atul Gawande, provided video remarks at the event underscoring USAID’s commitment to prevent, protect, and treat pneumonia in children and emphasizing the powerful impact of strong primary health care systems in efforts to reduce preventable child deaths from pneumonia. 

All 14 focus countries, along with global partners made commitments to address the global burden of pneumonia. Dr. Pavani Ram, Chief of Child Health and Immunization, offered commitments on behalf of USAID. Among the 14 focus countries, eight receive dedicated support from USAID as Preventing Child and Maternal Death partner countries. Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Somalia also receive direct support from USAID’s maternal and child health funding. 

In addition to the governments of countries receiving USAID funding, USAID also partners with multilateral organizations such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, WHO, and civil society at local, national, and global levels. With support from USAID and other donors, Gavi reaches millions of individuals in countries with high pneumonia burden and child mortality. 

USAID’s Commitment to Child Survival

USAID envisions “A world where all women, newborns and children survive, are healthy, and are able to develop and reach their full potential, contributing to the development of their communities and countries.” 

USAID is proud to have recently launched Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths: A Framework for Action in a Changing World. Continuing our long-standing commitment to promoting maternal and child survival, health, and well-being, USAID supports country-led programs to measurably improve health outcomes for women and children through an intensified focus on coverage, quality, and equity.

To reinvigorate momentum and accelerate progress on child survival, USAID’s work will:

1. Anchor our response in primary health care systems to optimize health outcomes.
2. Reach the hardest-to-reach mothers and children.
3. Catalyze country commitment and mutual accountability. 
4. Invest in the health workforce as the foundation of health systems.
5. Identify bottlenecks and tailor solutions through locally-led development.
6. Generate and use data, evidence, and learning for decision-making.

Learn more about how we meet the needs of mothers and children around the world with support for: maternal and newborn health, child health, immunization, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene.