Hanoi, April 8 -- To mark the World Health Day (April 7), the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Vietnam has called for accelerated action to ensure that every mother and newborn receives the quality care they deserve.

New figures just released show that far fewer women are dying during pregnancy or childbirth in Vietnam. Deaths are estimated to have nearly halved in recent decades, from 88 women dying for every 100,000 babies born in the year 2000, to 48 deaths in 2023.

The theme for World Health Day this year is "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures".

"Vietnam has made very impressive progress on safeguarding the lives of the youngest members of society and their mothers," said WHO Representative in Vietnam Dr Angela Pratt.

This prog...