The report includes the first-ever Child
Survival Progress Rankingsof 60 developing countries, which together
account for 94 percent of all child deaths worldwide. The rankings indicate
which countries are succeeding and which are failing to save the lives
of children under the age of 5.
Twenty of the 60 countries in the Child
Survival Progress Rankings have either made no progress in reducing
deaths among children under age 5, or their mortality rates have increased
since 1990. Iraq, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland emerge as the countries
that are regressing the most. In each of these countries, under-5 mortality
rates have increased in the past 15 years. In Iraq and Botswana, rates
have more than doubled.
The report also includes Save the Children's
eighth annual Mothers' Index, which identifies the best and worst countries
to be a mother and child-based on a comprehensive look at child and maternal
well-being in 140 countries. More countries are included in this year's
Index than in any previous year. Sweden, Iceland and Norway top the rankings
this year. The United States places 26th, tied with Hungary, while Niger
ranks last.
The report calls on governments to increase
their political and financial support for proven solutions that save the
lives of mothers, children and newborns. MacCormack noted that the United
Statesgovernment should demonstrate leadership toward these goals
by passing legislation that would authorize increased resources and require
a comprehensive U.S strategy for improving maternal, newborn and child
health.