Salud maternoinfantil en Latinoamérica

Abstract

Emphasis is placed on the great number of hazards threatening the health of mothers and children in Latin America. These hazards are conditioned by the characteristics of global development in the countries and by the dynamics of the demographic changes taking place there

The facts presented, which chiefly affect the economically vulnerable groups of a biological portion of the population estimated at about 65 per cent, are particularly serious in the light of the frequent under-registration of pertinent vital statistics and the lack of a suitable quantification of health hazards which are not necessarily lethal to the survivors

It is recognized that the situation presented is the result, to a considerable degree, of the limited fulfillment of the goals established in the Charger of Punta del Este, which tended over the past decade, to obtain a reduction of 50 per cent in child mortality rates

Consequently, it is both timely and necessary to follow the recommendation of the Governments of the countries of the Region and promote programs for maternal and child care and integrated family education

Such programs require both a redefinition of administrative structures and up-to-date, realistic technical standards which cover the establishment of activities for the care of mother and child. These activities should be implemented within the context of the national health plan and in consonance ... (AU)