Health MDGs update: slow progress on maternal mortality

Cambodia

• Malaria deaths and infections in Cambodia rose sharply in 2009
• Cambodia Struggles to Reduce Maternal Deaths; especially in remote areas. In Thma Da commune (on the Thai border), 1 trained health worker per 4000 people scattered across difficult to reach, muddy terrain.
• Alarming Maternal Deaths Require a Mix of Solutions
• Cambodia needs more midwives to reduce maternal deaths
• Changes needed to lower maternal deaths; unsafe abortions result in 20 percent to 29 percent of all maternal deaths, traditional birth attendants need more and better training to prevent unnecessary fatalities.

Myanmar

• Ignorance jeopardises Chin children’s health
• Maternal mortality remains high; 316 deaths per 100 000 live births.

Philippines

• Maternal Mortality Rates Not Making Sufficient Progress to Meet MDGs; 230 deaths per 100,000 live births.
• UNICEF warns of MDG gaps in Philippines; regional disparities persist.

Indonesia

• Pregnant Teens Still Face Stigma, Isolation, Even Death