Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #101953

Padma Buggineni, Sustainable International Development Program, Brandeis University, 60, turner st, Waltham, MA 02454, 781-838-2683, padma@brandeis.edu

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of progress in Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health in Asia and the Pacific in the context of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets. The paper examines trends in maternal mortality and newborn health, their causes, government and donor policies, and funding for safe motherhood in the region; and identifies gaps and opportunities in safe motherhood in the region. The paper concludes with a review of the role of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in safe motherhood, and makes specific recommendations for ADB to strengthen its role in reducing maternal mortality in Asia and the Pacific.This study uses data available through various databases, studies, strategy papers, and surveys conducted by international organizations. Although the use of these data helps to provide a reasonable picture of maternal mortality in the region, it might underestimate the severity of the problem. The paper presents a conceptual framework to analyze maternal mortality, which is based on immediate, intermediate and underlying causes. National safe motherhood policies and donors' policies on safe motherhood were analyzed to identify the gaps and opportunities for ADB to prioritize safe motherhood in the region. The analysis revealed that the donors are following mixed approaches in implementing safe motherhood policies, and do not subscribe to a common national policy and strategy. Many do not support the reproductive health approach, linking safe motherhood with family planning, control of sexually transmitted diseases, nutrition, status of women and other elements.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to 1.Discuss the trends in maternal mortality and their causes in the Asia - Pacific region.
• Analyze governemnt and donor policies, and funding for safe motherhood in the Asia - Pacific region
• Identifies gaps and opportunities in safe motherhood in the Asia - Pacific region

Keywords: Asian Women, Maternal Health

Related Web page: adb.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.