Released Monday, June 15th, the 2009 Report of the Global Campaign for the Health Millennium Development Goals (MDG) focuses on the areas of aid that have made the least progress. Goals 4 and 5, which aim to reduce child mortality by two-thirds and maternal mortality by three-quarters by 2015, respectively, are the furthest behind of the goals that were laid out.

Maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) were found to be the most vulnerable in times of economic crisis. In order to improve the lives of women and children around the world, governments must prioritize these health issues and contribute to the MDG’s global initiative.

The report gathered information from dozens of world leaders, health commissions, aid and finance organizations, N.G.O.’s and other agencies, to recommend the following actions in order to achieve the MDG goals 4 and 5:

1. Food protection programs targeted at children, vulnerable communities, rural areas and schools
2. Free basic public health services for those in need
3. Dramatically increased post and prenatal care
4. National health care plans with universal coverage
5. Safety nets to strengthen universal access to social protection programs, including economic stimulus packages for small businesses
6. Collaborative action of the Health 8 grouping of WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, the Global Fund, GAVI, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, and their funders

If significant progress is not made, half a million women will to die from preventable complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and the mortality rate for children under five will reach nine million each year.

As Chen Zhu, Minister of Health of The People’s Republic of China, wrote,

“Women are an important force driving the development of human society, and children represent the hope and future of the world. The welfare of women and children is an indicator of modern civilisation and social progress and their health bears directly on the future of mankind.”

Full Report