Malaria prevention efforts effective in reducing maternal, newborn deaths

Malaria prevention efforts have been highly effective in averting an estimated 94,000 newborn deaths between 2009 and 2012, a new UN report has found.

Launched by the UN's Roll Back Malaria Partnership, the report helps assess progress towards targets set out in the Global Malaria Action Plan and the UN global development goals or MDGs.

Interventions during pregnancy and the use of insecticide treated nets have improved survival rates for both women and their children.

Dr Eric Mouzin, is an epidemiologist with the Partnership.

"At the time when we talk a lot of about improvements in maternal health, fighting malaria is absolutely necessary and is a key factor behind improvements in maternal and child health indicators."

Despite the progress, in Africa alone 10,000 women and up to 200,000 children die annually as a consequence of malaria infection during pregnancy.

Roll Back Malaria partners have called for renewed commitment and greater collaboration between the maternal health and malaria communities to increase access to interventions and maximize the impact of efforts.

Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.

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