United Nations, May 8 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday called for global efforts to improve the health of women and children.

Speaking at a meeting of the Every Woman Every Child movement here, Ban stressed the importance of mobilizing and intensifying action around the world to tackle the global challenge, reported Xinhua.

"In the 21st century, no institution can solve global challenges on its own," Ban said.

"There is no monopoly on good ideas. That is why I believe so deeply in partnerships -- strategic partnerships."

Working with leaders from governments, multilateral organizations, the private sector and civil society, the Every Woman Every Child movement, spearheaded by the secretary-general, aims to save the lives of 16 million women and children and improve the lives of millions more.

The three-year-old initiative provides a stage for its 260-plus partners from some 70 countries to exchange life-saving ideas and solutions, according to Ban.

"Now is the moment for old and new partners to do more -- because we are in a race against time."

Last month, Ban kicked off the 1,000-day countdown to the Millennium Development Goals deadline, a set of eight anti-poverty targets to be reached by 2015.