State of the World’s Mothers Report

This Save the Children publication reports on child mortality rates in developing countries. The report includes Child Survival Progress Rankings of 60 countries, which together account for 94 per cent of all child deaths worldwide. According to the report, Iraq’s child mortality rate has increased by 150 per cent since 1990: 122,000 Iraqi children died in 2005 before reaching their fifth birthday. Egypt has achieved a 68 per cent decline in child deaths in the past 15 years. Investments in health services for mothers and children have helped improve care for pregnant women, make childbirth safer and increased the use of family planning services. 

The report also includes a Mothers’ Index, which identifies the best and worst countries to be a mother and child-based on a comprehensive look at child and maternal well-being in 140 countries. Sweden, Iceland and Norway top the rankings, while Niger ranks last. To succeed in saving the lives of children under 5, Save the Children recommends that countries: ensure the well-being of mothers; invest in basic, low-cost solutions to save children’s lives; make health care available to the poorest and most vulnerable mothers and children; increase funding and improve strategies to provide basic, effective, lifesaving services to those who most need it. [adapted from authors]