MANILA - The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday called for "immediate and decisive action" to ensure that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve.

WHO's year-long campaign, "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures", urges members to renew their commitment to ensuring good-quality health care for mothers and newborns, said the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in its press release on World Health Day, which is celebrated annually on April 7.

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"The western Pacific region has the second-lowest maternal mortality ratio among WHO's six regions globally," said the Manila-based office.

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"We have the power to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths in our region. Every woman and every baby deserve the highest quality of care to ensure their survival and well-being," said Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific.

Piukala said this requires better access to care and a transformation in the quality of health care that women and newborns receive, particularly in the most vulnerable communities.