Experts from China and abroad shared their experiences in maternal, new born and child health and reproductive health at the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion in Shanghai on Nov 24.

Hoang Thi Tran, deputy director of Da Nang Hospital for women and Children, in Vietnam introduced a program called "The First Embrace." The program encourages new born babies have their first embrace with their mothers as early as possible.

Thanks to the program, the breast feeding rate has increased two to threefold in the country. "We trained over 160 medical workers in medical treatment and promoted our practices to other cities and regions," said Thi Tran. It is hoped the program will strengthen the connection between infants and their mothers by ensuring the first drop of liquid the babies intake comes from their mothers.

Speakers at the session agreed that Women and children's health as well as women's reproductive health is a key part of sustainable development.  

Muint Htwe, minister of health and sports in Myanmar noted that health literacy is not only knowledge, but also the right of pregnant women. "People should be empowered," said Htwe.  

"Women should have relevant knowledge to protect children's health. They can make informed decisions with this knowledge," said Minister Htwe.

Wang Weiguo, executive deputy director of the Department of General Administration of the Children's Committee of the State Council of China, said that China has been conducting cross-sector cooperation to promote the healthy development of women and children in China.

Respect for women and care for children has been an important symbol of civil advancement and an important element as China experiences economic prosperity.

With the support of the committee, China has carried out a program to reduce the maternal mortality rate and established a neonatal tetanus program since 2000. Thanks to these programs, more pregnant women can give birth in hospitals, greatly reducing the maternal mortality rate.

Paddy Phillips, Chief of Public Health Officer of South Australia said he was impressed with the effect of these Chinese health policies.

Katja Lversen, CEO of Women Deliver, has been advocating women’s reproductive health and rights. She thinks young people are the future leaders and that health literacy will not be possible without them.

Tewodros, Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation of the UK mentioned the necessity to let young people get comprehensive sex education as early as possible and to empower women to ensure gender equality.

"These are very important works that need coordination of different sectors. We should cooperate with not only central governments but also grass root level governments who carry out policies," said, Melesse.