Australia Backs Philippine Maternal, Infant Health Initiative

The Philippines has unveiled a nationwide initiative aimed at decreasing infant and maternal mortality,

reports. The Australian Agency for International Development has pledged some $4 million for the seven-year program, which will be executed in two phases. The program's first phase, running from 2009 to 2011, will cover the provinces of Eastern Samar, Ifugao, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Saranggani. Impoverished urban communities in Tacloban, General Santos, Taguig, Navotas, Paranaque and Makati, meanwhile, will benefit during the second phase from 2011 to 2016.