Every mother and child counts.

As part of World Health Day, April 7, 2005, the World Health Organization issued a report titled "Make Every Mother and Child Count". This report states that 90% of the deaths of children under the age of five could be avoided by simple, affordable, and highly effective interventions that already exist. Most of these deaths are attributable to a few conditions: preterm birth, birth asphyxia, birth infections, pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, measles and HIV/ AIDS. Some of the effective interventions include promoting breastfeeding, having skilled care during pregnancy and birth, oral rehydration therapy, antibiotics, vitamin A and other micronutrients, and antimalarial drugs.

The World Health Organization is advocating for a 'continuum of care' that will involve the mother before pregnancy and continue through birth into the infant's childhood. This is especially important in the first weeks of a newborns' life. This model of care requires a significant investment in health systems and increased number of health professionals such as doctors, midwives and nurses and other health workers beyond maternal and child health.

WHO Director-General Lee Jong-Wook, said "We are not attempting to do the impossible. On the contrary, our aim is to do what is well known to be entirely possible. This approach has the potential to transform the lives of millions ... The health of mothers and children is part of a much bigger picture. It is the foundation of the well-being of our societies as a whole. When a mother or a child gets sick, that foundation is damaged."

Addressing the issues of inequality and lack of access to health care is fundamental to the struggle against poverty. WHO is encouraging governments to introduce the recommended interventions and extend maternal, newborn and child health programs. The World Health Organization will monitor and review progress in these programs.

For more information, visit www.who.int