Washington D.C.-ONE today commented on President Obama’s FY2011 budget request, which was released today and marks the start of the year-long budget process.

ONE welcomed overall budget increases in international affairs, including key investments in global agriculture and a more comprehensive approach to improving global health, including efforts to fight neglected tropical diseases and improvements to maternal and child health.

ONE was disappointed, however, with the President’s request for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria and for PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). The Administration also missed an opportunity to make greater strides against childhood mortality with only a modest increase in spending for immunizations, at a moment when new vaccines are ready to save lives through the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI).

“ONE is pleased that this budget increases support for America’s global development efforts that are so critical to saving lives, fighting disease, and helping build a more secure and stable world,” said ONE President and CEO David Lane. “ONE looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress to support this budget and to strengthen funding in some critical areas of global health.”