In the last 30 years,  significant progress to improve maternal and child survival has been achieved. In 1990, more than 12.5 million children died before their fifth birthday—largely due to treatable and preventable causes—nearly three decades later, that figure has decreased by more than half. And, since the turn of the millennium, the global maternal mortality ratio has dropped by approximately 34 percent. A global health success story worth celebrating, made possible, in part, because of the generosity of the American people and the support of Congress. 

Yet, improving the survival and health of women and children worldwide still requires urgent, collective action. Today, millions of children die in the first few days and weeks of life, with millions more dying before their fifth birthday, and hundreds of thousands of women still die in the time surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. In areas where the burden of child and maternal mortality is highest, health systems face barriers to delivering basic health services, often lacking the necessary resources, staff, and supplies. USAID support saves the lives of mothers and children by strengthening the quality, equity, and coverage of essential health care services.