DUSHANBE, May 21, 2013, Asia-Plus — The Director of the Branch Office of Save the Children International in Tajikistan has expressed his concern and disappointment that media reports surrounding its annual State of World”s Mothers Report may be distorting the situation for children in Tajikistan by portraying the Central Asian country in a negative light, press release issued by the Branch Office of Save the Children International in Tajikistan on May 16 says.
“Save the Children Country Director William Lynch apologized to the Republic of Tajikistan Ministry of Health for the unwanted and embarrassing attention that resulted from recent press reports.
“Tajikistan has made great progress in the areas of maternal and child health in the period since independence,” Mr. Lynch said. “This year”s report shows that the country has moved from the 77th to the 70th percentile in recent years.”
“The report shows that Tajikistan is at the middle level among the 176 countries included in the annual index. With an overall ranking of 124, it ranks above other Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Cambodia among others in the index.
“According to the report there has been a 50% decline in the number of maternal and child deaths since 1990.
“In a rapidly developing world, where the status of nearly all children, everywhere is improving, the comparison of the relative ranking of one country to another can be misleading and unfair.” Mr. Lynch said.
“The report is based on the most recently compiled data published by UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNESCO and the World Bank. It is designed to highlight the needs of all children, all around the globe as part of Save the Children”s efforts to eliminate infant and maternal mortality.
“According to the report, Finland is ranked first with the United States ranked 30th. The 176th ranked country is the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Save the Children has been working with the medical and health professionals of the Republic of Tajikistan Ministry of Health since 1994 to promote the health of women and children through a variety of joint programs.”
