In this month's Bulletin

241Bulletin of the World Health Organization | April 2008, 86 (4) In this month’s Bulletin WHO 60th anniversary commemorative volume This month’s cover poster is devoted to the importance of skilled birth attendants and improving child and maternal mortality. In the lead editorial, Cynthia Stanton (242) examines who should assist women in childbirth, what midwives should be permitted to do and where births should take place. There are also reports and papers from Bangladesh, India, Mexico and Uganda on this topic. In an interview, Joy Lawn (250–251) explains why it takes more than money to improve newborn survival rates. Malnutrition in developing countries Ellen Van de Poel et al. (282–291) use the new WHO child growth standards in a broad study of child malnutrition and socioeconomic inequality in the developing world. Perinatal asphyxia Jonathan M Spector & Subhash Daga (315–316) suggest that high stillbirth rates in many regions may be due to inadequate resuscitation of perinatal asphyxia cases. Screening 40 years on On the 40th anniversary of the publication of Wilson and Jungner’s Principles and practice of screening for disease, Anne Andermann et al. (317–319) examine the evolution of the original screening criteria as it reflects scientific and social trends. Mexico Best of both worlds Sidelined during the 20th century in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, midwives are making a comeback, reports Theresa Braine (244–245). India Why do so many women die? Dileep Mavalankar et al. (243) suggest political and administrative reasons, rather than lack of technical knowledge, for India’s high rates of maternal mortality. Egypt Female genital mutilation Mohammed A Tag-Eldin et al. (269–274) study prevalence and attitudes of schoolgirls towards the practice. Malawi Tracking HIV patients Simon D Makombe et al. (310–314) conduct the first audit on the reliability of data compiled under the national antiretroviral treatment programme. Bangladesh Inequity in maternal health-care Iqbal Anwar et al. (252–259) expose high levels of inequity and recommend a greater focus on overcoming financial barriers for poorer women. Australia High disease burden in remote Aboriginal communities Danielle B Clucas et al. (275–281) study the need for proactive prevention and treatment of infectious diseases among Aboriginal children. Jonathan Dart (245–247) reports on how the new Labor government aims to improve Aboriginal health by tackling the social problems undermining their communities. Asia Typhoid fever Research by R Leon Ochiai et al. (260–268) assists in determining the diverse vaccination needs for different geographical areas and age groups in Asia. Brazil Reaching out to the poor Brazil’s revamped public health system has brought quality health care to millions of impoverished people, reports Claudia Jurberg (248–249). Uganda Routine HIV testing in hospitals Rhoda K Wanyenze et al. (302–309) demonstrate that routine HIV testing and counselling is well received and useful. Action for child survival Rosamund F Lewis et al. (292–301) attest to the effectiveness of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine, which now prevents 5000 child deaths each year.