Whenever possible, objectives should be measured with national systems that either build on or are comparable with State and local data systems. However, State data are not a prerequisite to developing an objective. Proxy data may be used when national data are not available or where regional data may provide better measurability. When providing an idea for a measurable objective, please include the data source. Reduce the infant mortality rate by xx percent to no more than xx per 1,000 live births.
Developmental objectives provide a vision for a desired outcome or health status.
Current surveillance systems do not provide data on these objectives. The purpose of developmental objectives is to identify areas that are important and to drive the development of data systems to measure them. Increase to at least 90 percent the proportion of pregnant women and infants who receive risk-appropriate care. The 2010 objectives should be useful to national, State and local agencies as well as to the private sector and the general public. Objectives should drive action and suggest a set of interim steps that will achieve the proposed targets within the specified timeframe.