In addition to the fight against global warning, Japan could exercise its leadership at July's Group of Eight summit to promote international cooperation in protecting the health of mothers and infants in developing countries. The Japanese government plans to propose an action guideline at the summit for just such purpose.
As part of the action, Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura has proposed spreading the use of the mother-and-child health record booklet, known as "boshi kenko techo" and widely used in Japan. The background for Mr. Komura's proposal is Japan's experience. It was Dr. Mitsuo Seki, the first head of the health ministry's mother-and-child hygiene section, who compiled the booklet from ideas he had gotten during his study in Germany. First introduced in 1942, the booklet, along with improved health services, has contributed to lowering Japan's maternal death and infant mortality rate.
Local governments issue such booklets to pregnant women. They are used to chronologically record mothers' conditions from pregnancy to the post-delivery period and infants' growth, conditions and vaccination. They also contain health advice for mothers. Thus the booklets have help mothers develop better health-care habits for their children and themselves.