Commitment to the implementation of The world health report 2005 and to Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5

Governments

India

"Well being of the society is linked to safe mothers and childhood. India is launching phase two of the reproductive and child health programme with greater focus on promoting institutional deliveries - skilled attendance at birth and emergency obstetrics care with special attention to families below poverty line. The prime minister will also launch next week the National Rural Health Mission in 18 states…About 250,000 health workers will be deployed who will be a ray of hope for these villages."

-Honourable Anbumani Ramadoss, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, India.

United States of America

"Today, I am pleased to announce a new global project to fight asphyxiation among newborns, which is a major cause of infant death. Through this initiative, called First Breath, we hope …to reduce significantly infant mortality. The initiative will teach birth attendants not just in the U.S. but in hospitals across Asia, Africa and Latin America newborn resuscitation skills."

-Honourable Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services, United States.

Development partners

African Development Bank

"The WHO rightly characterises the global situation of maternal and child health as a forgotten health crisis…The African Development Bank reaffirms its commitment to strengthen its efforts in MCH, an area that is essential for a better tomorrow in Africa."

-Extract from African Development Bank Press Release issued on 7 April.

Canadian International Development Agency

"There is simply no good reason why in the 21st century, thousands of women and children in developing countries should be dying during childbirth and the early years of life. CIDA funded health programs and interventions have saved millions of lives… This is why, on World Health Day, I am pleased to announce new funding for such initiatives."

-Honourable Aileen Carroll, Minister of International Cooperation, CIDA.

UN Agencies

United Nations Children's Fund

"We all look to the WHO, to provide the latest technical information and advice, which is key to our cooperative efforts to improve the survival rates and well-being of women and children. This Report is an important step in making that knowledge readily available to decision-makers, as well as to the medical and public health community."

-Ms. Carol Bellamy, Executive Director, UNICEF.

United Nations Population Fund

"UNFPA is committed to developing national capacity for reproductive health and rights and linking these services with HIV prevention. Today on World Health Day, it is time for governments to make every woman and child count by committing the resources that are needed for their health and well-being."

-Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA.

Non-governmental organizations

Save the Children

"Save the Children UK pledge their support to implementing the recommendations in the World Health Report…Save the Children congratulate WHO on their action-focused policy papers."

-Extract from Save the Children Press Release issued on 7 April.

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