FHI Announces Comprehensive Effort to Address Global Challenges
Expands reach through acquisition of AED assets
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Albert J. Siemens, Ph.D., FHI Chief Executive Officer, today announced that FHI has acquired AED's programs, expertise and other assets, building on its strategic approach to address development needs in more holistic ways. To reflect this comprehensive approach to addressing the world's greatest development challenges, FHI is changing its name to FHI 360.
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"Today, as we reintroduce FHI as FHI 360, we take another step toward helping the people we serve meet their health and development needs," said Siemens. "Four years ago, FHI began expanding into broader sectors of development. By combining the expertise of FHI and AED, two organizations that share similar missions and a long history of partnering with others to succeed, we will be able to reach farther, do more and serve many—even more effectively."
As highlighted by the Millennium Development Goals, of the nearly 7 billion people living in the world today, 1.4 billion are living on less than U.S.$1.25 a day; 33.4 million are living with HIV; an estimated 2.6 billion are without access to toilets, latrines or other forms of improved sanitation; and about 69 million school-age children are not in school.
"We have learned that complex health and development challenges are best addressed when partners offer integrated responses," said Siemens. "We know that people who are poor and affected by HIV/AIDS need both the life-saving technology and economic opportunities that create jobs and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty. We need a multidisciplinary approach to create lasting change."
FHI 360 will continue to apply rigor and discipline, through its scientific and evidence-based approach, to a broader set of issues—addressing development challenges in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society and the environment.
On July 1, FHI 360 became responsible for more than 100 AED programs in 50 states and more than 50 countries. This expansion is a natural evolution of FHI 360's commitment to addressing the needs of people in underserved communities.
"This is about creating lasting change in the U.S. and around the world. It is about empowering individuals, families and communities to tackle their own problems. It is about improving lives," said Siemens.
ABOUT FHI 360: FHI 360 is a global development organization with a rigorous, evidence-based approach. Our professional staff includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment and research. FHI 360 operates from 60 offices with 4,400 staff in the U.S. and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at every level and our multidisciplinary approach enable us to have lasting impact on the individuals, families, communities and countries we serve – improving lives for millions. www.fhi360.org
To read frequently asked questions, click here.
View the inaugural blog post by Al Siemens, "Stronger Together" on FHI 360's blog, Degrees, at http://degrees.fhi.org.
View announcement video featuring Al Siemens, "Introducing FHI 360," at http://youtu.be/pgTTMdxhmvw?hd=1.
CONTACT: Matt Matassa
(202) 341-6519
SOURCE FHI 360
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