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"During the decade 1995-2005, the District's preterm birth rate decreased by 14 percent; we continue to address this as within the past year, the Department of Health has started implementation of an ambitious action plan to respond to ongoing maternal and child health needs of District residents. Our current data from 2006 shows an infant mortality rate of 11.3 per thousand live births, a slight decrease from the previous year (2005).

"Any infant death is one too many, which is why we have developed our plan to reduce infant mortality in partnership with community groups and will continue to report on our efforts and the improvements we make. From reaching out to other sectors of government who serve at-risk women and families to increasing our coordination with health care providers and community experts, we are working intensely to build a citywide approach that will enhance infant survival and well-being."

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