The report was released today (20 September) and looks at the UN’s
Every Child Every Woman initiative.
This was launched last year, includes over 50 countries and aims to save 16 million lives around the globe by 2015.
Among the countries making the strongest commitment is Bangladesh, where the government has vowed to train 3000 new midwives by 2015.
UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon said: ‘One year on, we are seeing the result that Every Woman Every Child was meant to achieve.
‘The number of mothers dying from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes is decreasing, and the number of children surviving beyond their fifth birthday has grown.
‘This is an important start - but we have a long way to go to reach our goal of saving 16 million lives by 2015 and securing the well-being of every woman and every child.’
The progress report says that the governments of countries including Bangladesh, Burkina Faso and Nepal, are matching their investment with effective national policies and better delivery systems.
It continues: ‘In Burkina Faso, new commitments made to provide free family planning, improved emergency obstetric and neonatal care, and subsidised birth and child healthcare services have already been costed and included in the health ministry's plan of action.
‘In Nepal, the commitments made to Every Woman Every Child are all included in the national health strategy of 2010-2015.
‘In Bangladesh, the government committed to train 3000 new midwives by 2015. The first class of midwives graduated in May 2011.’
It also states that all involved in the initiative need to give commitments to achieve the goal of saving lives.
This can be at the policy level, service delivery or can be financial commitment.
