President Michel’s World Health Day message-‘Make every mother and child count’ |07 April 2005

“We must all join forces and act. Let us reaffirm our national commitment to make every mother and child count,” says President Michel in his message on the occasion of World Health Day 2005, the theme of which is ‘Make every mother and child count’.
President Michel’s message reads:

“The wellbeing of a society is directly linked to the health and survival of mothers and children. When mothers survive, their children also survive, and thrive.  When both mothers and children survive and thrive, the societies in which they live thrive and prosper.

“The survival and wellbeing of mothers and children are not only important in their own rights, but are also central to solving much broader economic, social and developmental challenges.

“In the fast changing world, we have to face certain realities. HIV/Aids, for example, presents an ever increasing threat to both mothers and their children. Women currently account for nearly half of all adults living with HIV/Aids. There is the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV.  When a mother is sick or dies, her productive contributions to the home, workforce, economy and society are lost. The survival and education of her children are jeopardized.

“I am happy that the celebration of World Health Day 2005 under the theme ‘Make every mother and child count’ concurs with our own year’s dedication of ‘Our children, our treasure, our future’.  

“Good childhood is imperative for economic and social development. It is estimated that for every rupee invested in child health, seven rupees are returned through reduced spending on social welfare and increased productivity of young people and adults.

When a child is sick or dies, both the child’s family and society suffer. Frequent illness negatively affects mental development, body size and strength of young children. This reduces educational achievements as well as work productivity in later life.

“As a government, we have engaged ourselves in building a healthier and more productive society. We have brought free maternal and child health closer to our people.

In return, individuals can inform themselves of their rights and responsibilities, and participate in community level activities. Practicing key health behaviors such as eating healthier foods during pregnancy, breastfeeding, taking children for vaccinations, and using appropriate health services for sick children and during pregnancy can save lives.

“At the start of 2005, I am visiting and revisiting our hospitals and clinics as government reorganizes the health system. We are improving the delivery of our health services for our mothers and children, and also the men.

“We should not forget that men, who are partners and fathers, have a key role to play in promoting the health of women and children.

“All ministries and organizations should combine efforts to protect, nurture, educate our children, and support the delivery of programmes and services to mothers and children.

“We must all join forces and act.  Let us reaffirm our national commitment to make every mother and child count.”