(REOPENS MDS11)

Azad said government is focusing its efforts on bringing down neo-natal mortality, which accounts for 55 per cent of under five mortality and is the "biggest challenge". "I must appreciate the rapid scale up of special newborn care that has taken place in the last two years," he said. The minister said government has decided to allocate more resources to 264 backward districts by categorising them as high focus and urged states to take advantage of it and bring sharper focus on districts with poor health indicators. He said government has given more than Rs 2,000 crore this year to states to ensure implementation of 'Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram.' "I must say there has been a phenomenal improvement in availability of ambulances after roll out of this scheme and the number has now crossed 16,000," Azad said. Azad also said the government was introducing a system of score cards to measure progress during the Summit. He said the 12th five year plan has accorded high priority to health and provided an outlay three times higher than 11th five year plan allocation. "This is an opportunity we all must seize. With increased central funding and redoubled efforts on the part of states, much can be achieved...If we can win the battle against polio, we can surely win the war against child mortality," Azad said. Speaking at the inaugural session of India's Call to Action Summit for Child Survival and Development, US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell said the US is committed to working with India to promote the agenda of global child survival, nutrition and development. "We will remain actively engaged in supporting the government of India as it addresses crucial areas such as new born care, polio eradication, maternal health and family planning, immunisation, nutrition, and capacity building," Powell said.