Of special concern is the rising trend in child and maternal mortality rates in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Progress in immunization coverage is very encouraging. Already about 8 out of 10 of the world's children are protected against six major childhood diseases. The hemisphere of the Americas is already polio-free, the last case occurring in August 1991. Also critical to the improvement of child health is the reduction of malnutrition and iodine and vitamin A deficiencies.
Maternal mortality remains unacceptably high.
The presence of a trained, skilled attendant at birth is a critical determinant of the outcome, both for the mother and the baby. For further information, please contact Igor Rozov, Health Communications and Public Relations, WHO, Geneva.