China's Maternal and Child Health Achievements

China's commitment to improving maternal and child health has yielded impressive results, with core indicators reaching the top ranks among middle- and high-income countries. This was highlighted at the Third China Maternal and Child Health Academic Conference held in Hainan Province.

The national maternal mortality rate, infant mortality rate, and mortality rate of children under five have all reached record lows. Notably, the infant mortality rate dropped below 4.5 per 1,000 births for the first time in 2023, aligning with the advanced levels of developed nations.

These achievements are attributed to decades of dedicated efforts, including advancements in maternal healthcare standards. China boasts a robust network of 3,082 maternity and childcare institutions, 158 children's hospitals, 3,364 maternal rescue centers, and 3,070 centers for critically ill newborns.

The national hospital birth rate has reached 99.9%, and cervical and breast cancer screenings cover over 90% of the population. Additionally, the National Health Commission's nutrition improvement program has significantly reduced anemia and growth retardation rates among infants in less developed areas.

Pre-pregnancy health check-ups and folic acid supplementation are now part of the national basic public service standards, further bolstering maternal and child health.

Despite these remarkable achievements, challenges remain. The evolving health needs of women and children necessitate innovative approaches, models, and technologies to build a high-quality maternal and child health service system that aligns with China's modernization goals.