Bush health cuts hurt women, kids -- GHC

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A health group Tuesday blasted President Bush's 2007 budget plan, saying its global health cuts hurt women and children.

The Global Health Council said it is "very concerned" about the president's proposed decreases in funding for family planning and child health programs.

"We know how to save the lives of millions of children and mothers each year, if we only decided to invest in them sufficiently," said Nils Daulaire, president and chief executive officer of the Global Health Council. "We urge members of Congress to increase funds for family planning and child health programs in their final FY07 budget. The health of women and children in developing countries is critical to the stability and development of the countries in which they live."

On the other hand, GHC praised Bush for his "continued commitment to fighting global HIV/AIDS and malaria."