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UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Three U.N. agencies and the World Bank launched a joint plan Thursday to reduce the number of women in developing countries that die during pregnancy and childbirth. Calling the deaths of nearly 600,000 women each year due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth "a continuing tragedy," the head of the World Health Organization said the four agencies were dedicated to seeing that all women have access to a skilled attendant and a functioning health system. The joint program, which also includes the U.N. Population Fund and the U.N. Children's Fund, is aimed at increasing the network of qualified midwifes in developing countries, preventing unwanted pregnancies, and improving the nutrition of mothers and children. See full story |
