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Press Release

Foreign Policy Features MCC CEO for Event on Health-Wise Investments for Global Development

For Immediate Release

June 25, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2020 – The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Chief Executive Officer Sean Cairncross  was the featured speaker for  a virtual event hosted by Foreign Policy (FP) highlighting the critical need for infrastructure to support access to health care and economic revitalization in developing countries around the world. CEO Cairncross was joined by Sankatana Gabriel Maja, Lesotho Ambassador to the United States and Fidelis Magalhães, Timor-Leste Minister for Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs; the event was moderated by journalist Carol Pineau.

During the discussion, CEO Cairncross  shared MCC’s unique role in international development and highlighted how essential infrastructure saves lives and supports economic growth and resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented extraordinary challenges for developing nations as they navigate the impact of the crisis on their health systems and economies.

“The pandemic has put a spotlight on the need for critical infrastructure in many developing nations,” MCC CEO Sean Cairncross said. “A country’s overall health outcomes are determined not only by the quality of its health care systems, but also by the availability of clean water, reliable electricity, and efficient transportation. MCC’s investments aim to support infrastructure needs within our partner countries to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and provide a roadmap to economic revitalization and job creation after the pandemic subsides.”

Along with its investments in infrastructure, MCC is especially focused on supporting women’s economic empowerment. MCC’s country-led programs are structured to build capacity in partner countries and invest in medium to long-term, sustainable development that will promote economic revitalization and job creation once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

A recording of the event, At the Nexus of Health & Infrastructure, is available to view .

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Foreign Policy is an American news publication with a focus on global affairs, current events, and domestic and international policy.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to low-income countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, from fighting corruption to respecting democratic rights. Learn more about MCC at  www.mcc.gov.