Global ARCH joins birth defects contingent at UNGA2023
Global ARCH joined Operation Smile, Miracle Feet, and Children’s HeartLink at the UN General Assembly meeting on September 21 to speak up for the needs of children born with birth defects around the globe in need of surgical correction or other treatment, and how to advocate with policymakers for their inclusion in the universal health coverage agenda.
This high-level meeting, sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations and the Malaysia Ministry of Health was an important opportunity to advocate for progress in achieving health for all.
Global ARCH representative Belen Blanton, founder of Fundacion Estrellita de Belen, an active non-profit that provides cardiac care to low-income children in Venezuela, spoke about her experience as a child with congenital heart disease growing up in Venezuela. Global ARCH president Amy Verstappen, and Bistra Zheleva wearing both Global ARCH and Children’s HeartLink hats, served as moderators. Board member Anu Gomanju, an active advocate with the NCDI Poverty Network, also participated along with our new executive director, Kate Doherty-Schmeck.