On the final day of 2010 the UK Department for International Development launched its strategies for enhancing maternal health and controlling malaria.  Together, these seek to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and children in the poorest countries of the world.

The maternal and newborn health strategy, Choices for women outlines two strategic priorities for maternal health – preventing unintended pregnancies and ensuring that pregnancy and childbirth are safe.   Choices for women aims to save the lives of at least 50,000 women during pregnancy and childbirth and 250,000 new born babies by 2015.  Measures in the paper will also mean that at least 10 million more women are able to use modern methods of family planning, 5 million unintended pregnancies are prevented and at least 2 million safe deliveries.  This drive builds on the G8’s commitment following their 2010 meeting in Muskoka Canada, where leaders promised to accelerate efforts to address maternal and child health. Continue reading →