‘Every Newborn Action Plan’ Can Rid World of Preventable Maternal, Child

Deaths in Single Generation, Secretary-General Tells Health Forum

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the Partnership on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Partners’ Forum in Johannesburg, held from 30 June to 1 July:

Your Excellencies, Officials of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, Partnership Board Chair Mrs. Graca Machel, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to send greetings to all partners at this important Forum.  For four years, the “Every woman, every child” initiative has been proving that partnerships save lives.  Thanks to your commitment, fewer women and children die from causes we know how to prevent and treat.

We can be proud that we have pushed hard to end needless deaths.  You — our partners — show the world what we can achieve when we set ambitious goals, think creatively, coordinate action and insist on accountability.

But, progress is still too slow — especially for newborns.  Today, we launch the Every Newborn Action Plan to speed up our response and save more lives.  In my travels around the world, I have seen how poor families suffer most.  This is unjust.

All women and children deserve the same chances in life.  We must ensure equity by helping women and children who are most vulnerable.  Success is close.  If we increase investments, focus on equity and promote human rights, we can create a world free of preventable maternal and child deaths in just one generation.

This is a strategic, economic and moral imperative.  Success beyond 2015 depends on us working together and forging strong partnerships within and outside the health sector.  Let us, together, realize our vision of a world where every woman and every child can realize their potential.

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For information media • not an official record