The report looks at variables that impact maternal and newborn health worldwide, including nutrition, poverty, disease, gender discrimination, and harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. The report outlines the latest paradigms in health programming and policies for mothers and newborns, and explores policies, programs and partnerships aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health. Africa and Asia are a key focus for this report, which complements the previous year's issue on child survival.