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1993.01.13 :  World Summit for Children

Contact:  HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343
January 13, 1993

     On behalf of President Bush, HHS Secretary Louis W.
Sullivan, M.D., today presented to representatives of the United
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) a comprehensive report prepared
in response to the World Summit for Children.  The report details
child welfare improvements and initiatives in the United States. 
     In a ceremony in his office, Secretary Sullivan transmitted
the report and plan for action, "A Culture of Caring: America's
Commitment to Children and Families," to James Grant, UNICEF
executive director.  Also present at the transmittal ceremony was
Mary Anne Stewart, U.S. representative to UNICEF.
     At the Summit, held in September 1990, nations agreed to
prepare national plans of action aimed at achieving the goals of
the Summit.  President Bush and Secretary Sullivan attended the
Summit, at which President Bush outlined America's commitment to
children throughout the world.
     "The goals adopted at the Summit for giving every child a
better future are a laudable testament to the spirit of the
Summit and recognition of the critical importance to nations and
the world of improving the well-being of children.  For the
United States, the commitment to children is fundamental,"
President Bush wrote in a letter accompanying the report.
     The U.S. report presents the full range of programs
affecting child welfare, as well as program milestones and goals. 
In particular, it includes health goals for children in the
United States, which were developed as part of the establishment
of national health objectives under the HHS document "Healthy
People 2000," issued in 1990.  

     "We are proud of our record on behalf of children, both in
the United States and in our assistance to other nations,"
Secretary Sullivan said. "This report shows how much has been
done, and it indicates the directions our nation must take to
make the further improvements that are imperative."

     The report outlines innovative strategies in education,
nutrition, child development and protection, family support,
housing, environment, economic development and cultural heritage.
Initiatives of the Bush Administration which are highlighted in
the report include record-high budget increases for Head Start
and the Healthy Start campaign aimed at reducing infant mortality
and improving infant and maternal health.

     Internationally, the United States provides over $1 billion
for programs related to child health, nutrition and education,
more than any other nation.

     Printed copies of the report will be available later this
week.
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