Global Campaign to Reduce Maternal and Child Deaths

At the Clinton Global Initiative in New York in September 2007, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway led the launch of a global campaign to save the lives of millions of women and children. On behalf of Norway, Prime Minister Stoltenberg pledged US $ 1 billion dollars to save lives.

Speaking in New York this morning, Stoltenberg said stronger health systems could mean that the four million newborn babies who currently die in their first month of life, could in fact survive if they were breastfed or were treated with antibiotics by trained medical workers.

The Global Initiative Campaign’s three main thrusts:

1.      Financing survival.

With less than one billion USD, more than 2.3 million lives have been since 2001 by providing vaccination. Now we need to go beyond vaccines. The four million newborn who die in their first month may survive the first days and weeks of their lives if they are breastfed, and have access to antibiotics and health personnel. The half a million women who die in pregnancy or giving birth can be saved with simple means. Extra financing will make a big difference.

2.      Organizing survival.

To get return on our investment, bureaucratic layers needs to be cut. Health personnel should treat more patients and file fewer reports. Money should be an incentive to increase the number of treatments, either by clinics getting paid for the number of women and children they provide care for, or by giving money to women for going to clinics. Thus, treatment becomes a source of income rather than a cost, and the finance system a driver for improved results.

3.      Advocacy for women and children.

“The campaign will raise awareness that millions of women and children can be saved with modest means. When making the case for increased finance, we will also show and tell that we can save more lives.