The United States Agency for International Development today released a new report showing that its maternal and child survival efforts have resulted in nearly two-and-a-half million more children surviving and 200,000 maternal deaths averted since 2008 in USAID's 24 priority countries. In addition, the USAID report details how to reach 38 million of the most vulnerable women around the world with increased access to health care during delivery by 2020.

 

"Acting on the Call: ending preventable child and maternal deaths" documents progress in 24 priority countries to improve access to quality and respectful care during delivery, neonatal resuscitation, vaccinations, breastfeeding, diarrhea treatment, hand-washing, and other life-saving interventions in areas with a disproportionate share of the world's maternal, newborn, and child deaths.

 

 

The report release coincides with a 'Call to Action Summit' for ending preventable child and maternal deaths hosted by the Government of India along with Ethiopia's Ministry of Health, USAID, the United Nations Children's Fund, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Tata Trusts, and the World Health Organization in New Delhi.

 

"This is an historic time in the advancement of public health," said Acting USAID Administrator Alfonso Lenhardt. "Ending preventable child and maternal deaths is a bold vision. Countries are making incredible strides saving the lives of women and children. As children survive and thrive, parents are choosing to have smaller families--unleashing a virtuous cycle of progress and prosperity."

 

By All Africa News