Church Announces New Funding for Women and Children’s Health Initiatives

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is enhancing its commitment to improving the lives of women and children globally. On June 5, 2025, during a meeting at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson announced a donation of $63.4 million to this humanitarian initiative, building on a previous donation of $55.8 million made in 2023.

Focus of the Initiative

The Church’s initiative aims to create healthier futures for women and children while reinforcing community support worldwide. In her address, President Johnson emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Collaboration remains at the heart of this initiative; we create the greatest impact through our united efforts.”

Key Achievements in 2024

During the meetings, representatives from eight global nonprofits presented the outcomes of their collaborative efforts in 2024. The notable results included:

• 21.2 million mothers and children received essential vitamins.
• 1.87 million children were screened for malnutrition and received needed care.
• 1.6 million mothers were educated on nutrition best practices.
• 219,000 pregnant women received prenatal care.
• 141,000 families received seeds and training for home gardens.
• 41,000 individuals improved their hygiene practices.
• 17,000 health workers were trained to support maternal and newborn care.
• 6,800 people gained access to better water and sanitation facilities.
• 159 newborns received lifesaving resuscitation at birth.
• 125 health facilities were trained to monitor and treat malnutrition cases.

Partner Organizations

In leading this initiative, the Church has brought together eight reputable humanitarian organizations. These partnerships are structured into four groups, each addressing specific projects aimed at benefiting women and children:

• Group 1: Helen Keller Intl, Vitamin Angels, iDE
  Objective: Enhance access to nutritious foods and medical supplies across 12 countries, including Bangladesh and Zambia.
• Group 2: Catholic Relief Services (CRS), The Hunger Project, MAP International
  Objective: Improve maternal and newborn care and nutrition in Ghana.
• Group 3: Save the Children, MAP International
  Objective: Boost maternal newborn health and nutrition efforts in Sierra Leone and Zambia.
• Group 4: CARE, iDE, MAP International
  Objective: Upgrade agricultural practices and medical facilities in Nepal.

Leadership and Vision

Blaine Maxfield, managing director of Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, remarked on the collaborative strength of the involved organizations: “With our global reach, we are uniquely positioned to foster collaboration among these eight organizations. By leveraging our individual strengths and resources, we amplify our collective impact.”

Panel Discussion and Future Directions

The announcement of additional funding was part of a larger agenda that included a panel discussion on health and nutrition for women and children, to be led by Bishop L. Todd Budge. Panelists included key figures such as President Johnson and directors from partner organizations, who will delve into innovations and strategies to further enhance these critical initiatives.

Commitment to Service

In 2023, the Relief Society was entrusted with leading this global initiative, reflecting President Russell M. Nelson’s message to women regarding their potential to effect change. He stated, “I am inspired by your diligence, dynamic leadership, and your ability to see a need and meet it.”

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasize service as a core tenet, aiming to uplift and support communities worldwide. For more information about the Church’s humanitarian efforts, please visit their official Caring for Those in Need page.