Every newborn infant has the right to a healthy start in life. But now one newborn infant dies every two minutes – often needlessly – in the Western Pacific Region. Together, WHO and Member States have taken bold steps to address this grim statistic by endorsing the Action Plan for Healthy Newborn Infants in the Western Pacific Region (2014–2020). The plan aims to improve the quality of care for mothers and babies. Two years after the action plan was launched, Early Essential Newborn Care (EENC) has now been introduced to twelve countries. More than 27 700 health workers have been coached in 2258 health facilities. Millions of babies will now have a better chance for a healthy start, thanks to the dedication of Member States, health providers and development partners. However, we have a long way to go – and we cannot rest on our success. We must continue to accelerate our efforts to reach every mother and child in the Region.
