Op-Ed

International Day of Action for Women’s Health

By Ambassador Dennise Mathieu
United States Embassy Windhoek
May 28, 2009

Today we celebrate women around the globe for their extraordinary contributions in all areas of society – as professionals, as bread-winners, as caregivers and caretakers.

But today we must also focus on the stark reality that women suffer disproportionately from inadequate health services, including maternal health and family planning services, discrimination, the effects of war, and, at times, victimization by harmful traditions.  The statistics are staggering:

• According to global estimates, every day more than 1,500 women die worldwide due to complications related to pregnancy or delivery. In Namibia, the maternal mortality rate has increased from 271 deaths per 100,000 live births during 2000 to 449 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006/2007.  Many of these deaths are preventable if women had access to basic emergency obstetric care. 

• Inaccessible medical care, poverty, and malnutrition cause at least 80,000 women to suffer complications during pregnancy.
 
• Women who would prefer to postpone their next pregnancy or not have more children often do not have access to modern methods of contraception, leading to millions of unintended pregnancies and abortions. 

• Every year, 51 million girls are married before their 18th birthday.  Girls who marry as children are often more susceptible to the health risks associated with early sexual debut and childbearing, including HIV.  And early marriage almost always deprives girls of their education or meaningful work, which perpetuates the cycle of poverty as well as gender inequality and sickness.

• Every day, over 6,800 persons worldwide become infected with HIV. In this region, over 61% of infected individuals are female.   In Namibia, approximately 18% of pregnant women test HIV-positive.

• An estimated 100 million to 140 million women and girls undergo female genital mutilation, a tradition in many countries.  

• Several hundreds of thousands of girls and women are trafficked every year as illegal workers and/or forced into prostitution.

• Education is central to improving the health of women as more highly educated women make more use of health facilities.  On the positive side, 91% of eligible girls attend primary school in Namibia.  However, only 53% of eligible females attend secondary school. 

Despite these startling statistics we know that women around the world have an undying spirit, are surmounting obstacles, and are committed to making their lives, their families’ lives, and their communities better.   As President Obama said: “…we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams.  That is what I want for women everywhere.”

On May 5th, President Obama announced that his Administration was committed to spending $63 billion over six years to bring better health to people around the globe.  The President’s 2010 Budget focuses attention on broader global health challenges, including child and maternal health, family planning, and neglected tropical diseases, with cost effective interventions.  It also provides robust funding for HIV/AIDS and adopts an integrated approach to fighting diseases, improving health, and strengthening health systems.

On behalf of the American people, I am proud to celebrate this year’s International Day of Action for Women’s Health.  In partnership with the people of Namibia, the U.S. not only supports education for all girls and critical health and family planning services, including HIV/AIDS and reproductive health programs, but also opposes violence and discrimination against women.  We will continue drawing inspiration and strength from our partners around the world - to work together to protect and improve the lives of every woman and child on this globe.  For in doing so, we will fulfill the great promise of prosperity and progress for all people, and for all nations.