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Photo: ADRA Kenia

May 28 is World Women's Health Day

Social Affairs & Development

May 28 is World Women's Health Day

 Today (May 28) is the International Day for Women's Health. On the occasion of this anniversary, the Adventist relief organization ADRA calls on all people to stand up for women's health and rights worldwide.
"Why," asks Pierre Schweitzer, project assistant at ADRA, "is this day of action celebrated? Isn't there already International Women's Day on March 08?" On International Women's Day, he says, attention is drawn to the lack of equality between men and women. The focus is on the social, political and cultural rights of women. On May 28, on the other hand, the right of all women to unrestricted medical care is remembered, he said. "Health is a valuable asset and a prerequisite for an independent and self-determined life," Schweitzer said. Unfortunately, many women around the world still die, especially in developing countries, because they cannot get medical treatment in time. Hospitals are often only available in the big cities. The way there is very long and dangerous for many women living in rural areas. In addition, there are the costs of medical treatment, which women can rarely afford because they either have no income of their own or their families live in poverty.
The plight in which many women find themselves has consequences. According to the World Health Organization, every eleven seconds a mother dies as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Maternal and infant mortality rates are highest in the southern hemisphere. Women are also increasingly subjected to domestic violence or exploitation, which prevents them from living a life of peace and happiness, he said.
Through its support, ADRA promotes education, prevention and access to health care for all women worldwide, in a variety of projects, he said. "Whether in our hospitals in Yemen, youth shelters in Thailand, or villages in Kenya, we advocate for the integrity of women and offer them protection from assault and exploitation. Everyone should enjoy the right to live a life of dignity. We must not leave anyone behind. Only together we can lift the grievances in this world," said the appeal of ADRA Germany.
© APD