Women's health and political will

摘要

This year the world marks the 20th anniversary of the global Safe Motherhood Initiative.1 Although there are reasons to celebrate, there is also reason to pause, and perhaps to worry. The reality is that maternal health (along with newborn and child health) is not a political priority in many countries today, whereas HIV and AIDS workforces to deliver reliably available, high-quality, and integrated health services. Third, community education and participation are paramount. The focus has to be on getting communities informed, educated, and involved, especially those that are poor and marginalised. Fourth, maternal health must be seen as part of the continuum of care. This continuum is both horizontal throughout the life-cycle from pre-pregnancy through birth to motherhood and multilayered throughout the health system from its base in the community to the district and, when appropriate, referral hospitals