U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday requested the Congress for new funding to support a global health assistance program, Xinhua reported.
In a statement released by the White House, the president said he is asking Congress for 63 billion U.S. dollars over the next six years, including 8.6 billion dollars for 2010, to fund the Global Health Initiative, in order to confront health challenges around the globe.
"We cannot wall ourselves off from the world and hope for the best, nor ignore the public health challenges beyond our borders," he said.
"An outbreak in Indonesia can reach Indiana within days, and public health crises abroad can cause widespread suffering, conflict, and economic contraction," said Obama.
The president said the 8.6 billion dollars he requested for 2010 will be used to address "child and maternal health, family planning, and neglected tropical diseases, with cost effective intervention."
The rest of the funding will be focus on "broader health challenges."
Obama's Global Health Initiative will build on the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, created by former President George W. Bush to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS and malaria in the world.
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