WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 5, Maryam and Lexi Donnelly of Rockaway Township, New Jersey, will join 120 advocates from The ONE Campaign on Capitol Hill. Their mission is to secure Congressional support for the Fiscal Year 2025 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, advocating for a budget of at least $61.7 billion, including $4.4 billion for development assistance and $340 million for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
The Donnellys, participating in ONE’s annual Power Summit, will be part of more than 150 meetings with lawmakers and their staff. Their efforts aim to protect the health of millions of children worldwide by ensuring access to routine immunizations against deadly but preventable diseases.
Maryam Donnelly highlighted the critical juncture in the ongoing fight against extreme poverty and preventable diseases, emphasizing the strategic importance of U.S. investment in global health and development aid. She appealed to Senator Cory Booker, Senator Bob Menendez, and Representative Mikie Sherrill to support their cause, stressing the benefits of such investments for global stability and safety.
The ONE Campaign, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases. With 25 million actions taken by its supporters worldwide, the campaign has contributed to significant global health initiatives, including PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Suzanne Granville, executive director for North America at the ONE Campaign, praised the commitment of supporters like the Donnellys. Their dedication to advocating for a fairer world exemplifies the grassroots effort that has propelled the campaign’s achievements over two decades.