Maternal Health Challenges Cannot Be Underestimated

Maternal Health Challenges Cannot be Underestimated

Improving maternal and child health remains one of the greatest global development challenges on Mother's Day.

Maternal and child mortality remains unacceptably high across much of the developing world.

Each year, more than 500 000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth, and for every death another 20 suffer illness or injury.

More than 9.2 million children under the age of five die from mostly preventable causes. More than a third of these deaths occur on our doorstep, in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia is concerned by the slow progress being made globally toward the Millennium Development Goals to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, and is working with countries and non-government organisations to improve the health of women and children in our region.

In 2008, Australia committed to spending at least $250 million over the next four years on improving progress towards these Millennium Development Goals in the Asia Pacific region.

Australia will provide $93.6 million over four years to support UNICEF's efforts to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health by investing in vaccines, improved nutrition, adequate health services and water and sanitation.

Australia is committed to strengthening national health service delivery systems, and our $49 million partnership with Indonesia for maternal and neonatal health has so far trained more than 1000 health workers and managers and upgraded community health centres.

Improving the health of women and children requires a concerted effort by all donors and by developing country governments. Australia is committed to tackling these issues together.

Media contacts: Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's office) +61 400 318 205
AusAID Media +61 417 680 590
Photo: www.ausaid.gov.au/media/images/kiribati_maternity.jpg

Caption: A mother and infant in the maternity ward of Kiribati's South Tarawa Hospital. AusAID is working alongside partner governments to improve women's and children's health. In Kiribati, support includes emergency obstetric equipment to clinics, health centres and hospitals.

Media releases and speeches are available on AusAID's website www.ausaid.gov.au

SOURCE: AusAid