Release of new recommendations

As part of the Global Strategy, new recommendations were also released today by the Commission for Information and Accountability for Women’s and Children’s Health, including to ensure that future commitments are spent as most needed.

The Global Strategy was launched in September 2010 to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality in developing countries, with US$40 billion in commitments.

It built on existing efforts such as the Campaign to Accelerate Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa, and attracted 90 different partners from government, the private sector, foundations, health care professionals, and non-governmental organizations.

“The Global Strategy has created a rallying point for all countries to be part of a global conversation about women and children,” says Dr. Julio Frenk, Chair of the Board of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), and Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health.

Analysing Global Strategy commitments

The US$40 billion committed to the Global Strategy is currently being analysed by PMNCH. A report will be released in September 2011.

“The 2011 report will be a practical response to the Commission’s call for greater clarity on the US$40 billion, which includes financial, policy and service delivery commitments,” says Dr. Frenk.

“We will also look at trends. For example, so far, analysis shows increased support for family planning. This is very good news, as improving access to family planning is highly effective in reducing maternal deaths and newborn deaths.”

NEW COUNTRY COMMITMENTS