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Opportunities for Africas newborns: practical data policy and programmatic support for newborn care in Africa.
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2006
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Unknown Venue
NeonatologyDevelopment EconomicsAfrican Public PolicyMaternity ServiceAfricas NewbornsSocial SciencesNewborn ScreeningGlobal Health ProgramPublic HealthHealth Services ResearchAfrican Public Health PolicyAfrican DevelopmentHealth PolicyDevelopment AidMaternal Health PolicyMaternal HealthNewborn MedicineUn Sustainable Development GoalHealth EquityAfrican OrganizationPolicy FrameworksSustainable Development GoalPractical Data PolicyPolicy FocusChild HealthGlobal HealthNewborn CareInternational HealthPediatricsChild Health PolicyDevelopment PolicySocial Policy
In Africa, maternal, newborn, and child health policy has intensified, with the African Union promoting regional strategies and national road maps to reduce mortality, yet only nine years remain to meet the 2015 MDG targets. The paper urges Africa to accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child health. Excerpt provided.
In recent years the policy focus has increased for maternal newborn and child health (MNCH) in Africa. The African Union now has three regional strategies in various stages of development: Road Map for reduction of maternal and newborn mortality (2004); Child Survival Framework (2005); Maputo Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Plan of Action (2006). Each of these policy frameworks allow for national government adaptation and implementation in country with support from partners under the principles of the Paris declaration on aid effectiveness - plan One coordinating mechanism One monitoring and evaluation mechanism. Already 35 countries have started the process of a national Road Map which was initiated through the MNCH Task Force in 2004. These policy frameworks represent a great advance but they are only the first step on the road to lives saved through increased coverage of essential interventions. The time is short - there are only nine years left before the 2015 target for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Africa can and must accelerate progress. (excerpt)