Countdown to 2015 launches the 2012 report: fewer maternal and child deaths
But too many women and children still dying
Report about the role of accountability
The Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health has generated more than $40 billion in commitments for maternal, newborn and child health. An update on the implementation of these commitments is expected from The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health in September of this year.
"That money could make a big difference, if it is really delivered and used where it will have the greatest impact," says Peter Berman, PhD, of Harvard School of Public Health, who leads the Countdown group that tracks how and where money is spent for women’s and children’s health.
It is still essential to maintain and try to increase current funding, according to Dr. Berman. The Countdown report shows that funding from official aid sources has increased steadily, but that increase started to slow with the global economic downturn.
"Meeting the Millennium Goals will take more money, better programs, and better use of existing money,” says Dr. Berman. “We need to pay more attention to how we use what we have. We need to ensure that both donor and developing countries allocate the additional funds that are needed to save women’s and children’s lives.”
"In the last two years, we have seen real change," Dr. Bhutta says. “It is possible that in the next three years, by the end of 2015, we could see many more countries achieving their goals for maternal and child survival, if we concentrate on the strategies that will have the greatest impact. This race against time is not about politics, or money,” he says. “It is about saving lives.”
