Dynamic changes are occurring in the demographic structure of the
U.S. population. Nowhere are these changes more dramatic than in
the growth of certain racial/ethnic population groups. These
changes, particularly as they relate to children, hold profound
implications for our nation's health. Because children are our
future, ensuring the health of children guarantees a healthy
America. As Surgeon General, I place the highest priority on
monitoring and improving the health status of all children and
their mothers.
Today, more than ever before, we must focus our attention on the
morbidity and mortality among the increasing numbers of minority
children and mothers in the United States. For example, the life
expectancy of black women is almost 5 years less than that of
white women. Hispanic and black women and children have a seven
to 13 times higher rate of AIDS than white women and children.
And low birth weight rates continue to be twice as great among
blacks as they are among whites.
The reports in this issue of MMWR Surveillance Summaries focus on
major topics of public health surveillance among minority women
and children. Timely identification of risk factors,
documentation of mortality differences, and the demonstration of
the need for prevention programs are essential if we are to
succeed in reducing the burden of disease and injury among these
groups. As public health practitioners, we must continue to
strengthen our efforts to conduct effective surveillance of the
health status of U.S. racial/ethnic minority groups.
Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H.
Surgeon General
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