UNITED NATIONS, Geneva — Governments have to increase investment in sexual and reproductive health to strengthen health systems and ensure international health security. Massive investment is also required to train health personnel at all levels, said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund.

During her keynote address to the 60th World Health Assembly here today, Ms. Obaid warned that “no nation can be developed when women are denied the right to health, and no nation can progress when large numbers of women die while giving life”.

Over the past two decades, said Ms. Obaid, more than 10 million women have died from complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth, and some 300 million women have suffered injuries or long-term disabilities, such as obstetric fistula. “By any measure,” she added, “this situation is deplorable when we consider the fact that most of these deaths and disabilities could be prevented.”

“Today, poor sexual and reproductive health is a leading cause of death and disability in the developing world. As a result, every minute, 10 people are newly infected with HIV, and every year, 3 million people die of AIDS,” said Ms. Obaid. Yet, she added, “we do not see a headline in any newspaper or a news story on CNN’s ticker announcing such tragedy”.

“You are well placed to advocate for greater investments in health and well-being,” Ms. Obaid told the Assembly. “Together and as individuals, we share the power, responsibilities, and possibilities to make the world a better home for people living with dignity.”

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Omar Gharzeddine
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Katja Iversen
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