Assembly/AU/ 6 (X)I Page 1 REPORT ON THE PROMOTION OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH IN AFRICA BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT The Millennium Goals (MDGs) emphasized the attainment, by all Member States of the United Nations in general and those in developing countries, notably Africa, in particular, of selected targets that considered key to sustainable socioeconomic development the world over. These targets are to be met by 2015. Accordingly many countries in Africa have made significant strides in bringing about positive changes in the lives of their people. However, studies over the last few years indicate that Africa still lags behind and may need to double or triple efforts to achieve the MDGs, especially those related to maternal, infant and child health as well as HIV/AIDS, within the target period. Apart from poverty, conflicts and social instability, recent hikes in the price of food and oil as well as climate change play tremendous role in slowing down Africa’s efforts in reaching these internationally set targets. Concerned by the continent’s slow progress in reducing maternal, infant and child mortality, curving the spread of the trio-pandemics: HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, mitigating the negative impacts of environmental deterioration both on health and development, African Leaders adopted, over the last many years, a number of policies and strategies aimed at alleviating the sufferings of people and improving their living conditions. Some of these policy directives and strategies include: o The 2001 Abuja Declaration and Plan of Action for the fight against the HIV/AIDS, TB and other related infectious diseases; o The AU Vision, Mission and Strategic Framework (2004-2007 and beyond) which put HIV/AIDS top on the continent’s agenda; o The 2004 AU-WHO Roadmap for Accelerating the Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity in Africa; o The 2005 Continental Policy Framework on the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Africa and the Maputo Plan of Action (2006) for its implementation; o The Abuja Call for Accelerated Action towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) services in Africa (2006); o Africa’s Common Position on the UN General Assembly Special Session on AIDS (2006); o The Continental Framework for Harmonization of Approaches and Policies on Human Rights and People Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS; o The Africa Health Strategy (April 2007); and o The Report of the 2nd Pan-African Forum on Children: Mid-term Review held in Cairo, Egypt, in October-November 2007