Gates Foundation Signals New Focus on Maternal, Child Health

WASHINGTON -- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said it will spend $1.5 billion over the next five years on maternal and child health, family planning and nutrition in developing countries, a pledge that signals a new focus for the foundation known for concentrating on vaccines and AIDS.

Melinda Gates said the foundation was taking the lead to jumpstart a global effort. She urged world leaders in the developing and industrialized world to also do their part to prevent mothers and babies from dying. "It is going to take government effort and investment," she said at a women's health conference where she made the announcement.

"Every year, millions of newborns die within a matter of days or weeks, and hundreds of thousands of women die in childbirth," Mrs. Gates said. "The truth is, we can prevent most of these deaths – and at a stunningly low cost – if we take action."