1. GOAL 5; IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH

2. TARGET 2: Achieve, by 2015, universal access to reproductive health. TARGET 1: Reduce by three quarters, between 1990 and 2015, the maternal mortality ratio.

3. THE HIGH RISK OF DYING IN PREGNANCY OR CHILDBIRTH CONTINUES UNABATED IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA AND SOUTHERN ASIA. In 2005 more than 500000 women died during pregnancy, childbirth and in the six weeks after the birth. 99% of these events occurs in the developing countries but 86% of them in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. In these countries the risks of dying during pregnancy and childbirth occurs due to complications that can be treatable or preventable. The ratio of deaths is one in 22 in these countries while in the developed countries it is 1 in 7300.

4. LITTLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN SAVING MOTHERS’ LIVES. At the global level, maternal mortality decreased by less than 1 per cent per year between 1990 and 2005, but to reach the target of the 2015 we should have a 5.5 per cent of annual improvement.

5. SKILLED HEALTH WORKERS AT DELIVERY ARE KEY TO IMPROVING OUTCOMES. The work of doctors, nurses and midwives could contribute to reduce maternal deaths. 61 per cent of births in the developing word were attended by skilled health personnel, up from less than half in 1990. It remains low in Southern Asia.

6. ANTENATAL CARE IS ON THE RISE EVERYWHERE. * Antenatal care is necessary to protect the health of mothers and children. * The proportion of visits in the developing word has increased to three fourths

7. ADOLESCENT FERTILITY IS DECLINING SLOWLY. Adolescent pregnancy contributes to maternal and childhood mortality.

8. ADOLESCENT FERTILITY IS DECLINING SLOWLY. In most developing regions adolescent fertility fell between 1990 and 2000 and remained steady or increased between 2000 and 2005. Adolescent fertility is high in Sub- Saharan Africa while the total fertility has declined in the past 2 decades in many Latin American coutries and the Caribbean and South-Eastern Asia.

9. AN UNMET NEED FOR FAMILY PLANNING UNDERMINES ACHIEVEMENT OF SEVERAL OTHER GOALS *In sub-Saharan Africa, only one in four married women has an unmet need for family planning. *In Latin America and the Caribbeans 27 per cent of the poorest households have an unmet need for family planning compared to 12 per cent of the wealthiest households. *Unmet need for family planning is also especially high among young women.

10. Project carried out by: Miccoli Francesca Dell’Acqua Marta Pinoni Andrea Maniscalco Antonino