Health Sector Reform: How It Affects Reproductive Health

 Many less developed countries are reforming their health systems in an effort to achieve public health goals more affordably and effectively. Many are also attempting to expand and improve reproductive health services and other measures to improve women's health. The need to pursue reproductive health objectives while implementing health sector reforms poses a major challenge. (June 2003)

Emerging Epidemics in China
For China’s 1.3 billion people, integration into the global economy has required unprecedented mobility and exposure to travelers from other countries. The SARS outbreak has shown that China needs domestic and international help to control the spread of infectious diseases. (May 2003)

Why Invest in Newborn Health? (PDF: 268KB)

 This policy brief highlights two compelling reasons for investing in neonatal health services: Such investment is key to achieving health and development goals, and it is part of protecting newborns' human rights. (April 2003)

Cambodia Falls Short of Early Childhood Nutrition Goals
In Cambodia, only 11 percent of newborns are breastfed in the first hour of life, and about 1 in 4 during their first day of life. From the earliest stages of fetal development into adolescence, proper food and good nutrition are essential to survival, physical growth, mental development, productivity, health, and well-being. (January 2003)

Maternal Mortality a Leading Cause of Death in Cambodia
In Cambodia there are 437 deaths per 100,000 live births, making maternity-related complications one of the leading causes of death for Cambodian women ages 15 to 49. (January 2003)

Obesity in the U.S.: Reaching a Critical Mass
The percentage of Americans who are overweight or obese has grown steadily: a 35 percent increase since 1994 alone. This rise is especially marked among children. (January 2003)

Children in Cambodia Face High Mortality Rate
Cambodia has the second highest infant mortality rate in Southeast Asia. Continuing efforts to provide quality care will require an integrated approach that focuses on preventive and curative elements implemented by families, communities, and health facilities. (December 2002)

Fewer Malaria Cases in Cambodia
Cambodia's national malaria control program has reduced malaria outbreaks over the last decade by more than one third, but Cambodia has the largest number of drug-resistant forms of malaria in the world. (December 2002)

Making the Link: Population, Health, and the Environment (PDF: 234KB)
This report provides information and data on critical links between people and the environment.  (2002)

Americans Are Living Longer Than Ever
Between 1900 and 2000, life expectancy in the United States increased from 51 to 80 for females and from 48 to 74 for males. Most of the improvements in life expectancy have resulted from reductions in infectious diseases among infants and children. (AmeriStat, December 2002)