There can be no real growth without healthy populations. No sustainable development without tackling disease and malnutrition. No international security without assisting crisis-ridden countries. And no hope for the spread of freedom, democracy and human dignity unless we treat health as a basic human right.

If access to health care is considered a human right, who is considered human enough to have that right?

We have proven that with a clear vision of a better tomorrow, a strong dose of determination, and the hard work of many dedicated people, we can ease suffering and save lives around the world.

Of all of the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane.

We have an opportunity to focus global attention on what should be obvious: every mother, and every child, counts. They count because we value every human life. The evidence is clear that healthy mothers and children are the bedrock of healthy and prosperous communities and nations.