Maternal and child health refers to the health of women and children during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal period.
WHO latest data show that «although important progress has been made in the last two decades, about 287 000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020». Also, according to what reported by the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) «newborn, or neonatal, deaths account for 40% of all deaths among children under five»
But most maternal deaths are preventable with timely management by a skilled health workers. Improvements in maternal and child (MCH) are a major focus of the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs 4, 5, and 6).
Highlights
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Breastfeeding Promotion and Childhood Obesity Prevention: the Italian National Institute of Health re-designated as WHO Collaborating Centre
2 October 2025 - Health promotion in the first 1000 days of life: a multiregional project coordinated by the ISS
20 April 2023 - Health promotion in the first 1000 days of life: key findings of the ISS project
20 April 2023