UN chief to spotlight progress on women’s and children’s health on Asian trip

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will depart on Saturday for an official visit to Bangladesh, Thailand and Indonesia to highlight advances in the three Asian nations on women’s and children’s health.

Mr. Ban will showcase the progress and leadership of these countries in the context of the “Every Woman Every Child” effort he initiated last year, according to his spokesperson.

With over $40 billion dollars in funding, the initiative aims to help countries work together to improve women and children’s health, and asks them to honour their commitments on the issue, develop a framework to ensure accountability, and work together to bring new partners.

As of last month, more than 60 countries have committed to step up efforts to improve women and children’s health, of which 57 are developing nations.

Mr. Ban will conclude his week-long trip in Bali, Indonesia, with the fourth summit between the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).