Today we launch UNICEF’s annual flagship r

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Today we launch UNICEF’s annual flagship report: "The State of the World’s Children 2009", which this year focuses on maternal and newborn health. The report shows that more must be done to addressmaternal and newborn health to help save and improve the lives of millions of children and their families.[TONE]∥[TONE]
Every year, more than 500,000 women die as a result of pregnancy or childbirth complications. Around 70,000 of these deaths are among girls and young women 15 to 19. This is not only a tragic personal loss forthe family, but it also leaves a long-term impact on the health and well-being of children and the developmentof communities and countries. Around 99 per cent of maternal deaths take place in the developing worldwhere having a child remains among the most serious health risks for women. Twenty one per cent ofmaternal deaths take place in just three countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Nigeria.[TONE]∥[TONE]
In Niger, the country with the highest lifetime risk of maternal mortality, 1 in 7 women will die fromcomplications related to pregnancy or giving birth. The comparable risk in the developed world is 1 in 8,000.Since 1990, complications related to pregnancy and childbirth have taken the lives of an estimated 10 millionwomen. That is equal to around 20 per cent of the total population of South Africa. In addition, every year,some 4 million newborns die within the first 28 days of life from largely preventable causes. That is about40 per cent of all under-five deaths every year. The burden is disproportionately heavy in Africa and Asia.Ninety five per cent of maternal deaths occur in Africa and Asia combined and 90 per cent of newborn deathsoccur in Africa and Asia. [TONE]∥[TONE]
The good news is that between 1995 and 2005 skilled birth attendant coverage increased from 54 percent to 62 per cent in the developing world. During the same period ante-natal care rose from 60 percent to75 per cent. Yet around 50 million births in the developing world or about 40 per cent of all births remainwithout skilled health personnel. [TONE]∥[TONE]

And girls must go to school. Women who are educated are more likely to be healthy and to give birth to healthy babies who will survive and grow into adulthood. Educating girls and young women is one ofthe most powerful ways of breaking a vicious cycle of poverty and creating a Supportive environment formaternal and newborn health. [TONE]∥[TONE] At the household level, awareness needs to be increased about the importance of recognizing danger signs and ensuring that care for the woman or infant is sought right away. Changes must also be made at thecommunity level to address issues such as infrastructure and financial resources to ensure access to healthcare. And finally, health workers must be available, trained, and have the appropriate equipment. [TONE]//[TONE]
Progress has been made in reducing child mortality but much more must be done especially inaddressing maternal and newborn health. The world must approach this task with a shared sense ofurgency and a collaborative response. Results will be measured in lives saved and lives improved. Thankyou. [TONE]∥[TONE]