World faces opportunity in boosting action for health protection

During transition period from the implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world is facing a big opportunity to boost action to protect health for women, youth and children, said a UN official here on Tuesday.
Nana Taona Kuo, senior manager in the executive office of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General for Every Woman Every Child initiative, made the remark at a side event of the 132nd Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Vietnam's capital Hanoi.
According to Taona Kuo, in order to increase effectiveness of the work in new stage, governments worldwide need to bring concrete targets on health into SDGs' set of goals and targets, with human-centered spirit.
At the side event, Marleen Temmerman, Director of Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organization, called to completely stop maternal and children deaths due to preventable causes, especially within 24 hours after birth, promote family planning measures to prevent unintended pregnancy and abortion in adolescents.
Temmerman affirmed need to boost stronger action of governments, parliaments, organizations and individuals in ensuring and improving health of women, youth and children.
Parliamentarians from Oman, Siera Leon, Zimbabwe, and Timor- Leste agreed that linkages among parliaments, parliamentarians and communities in citizen health protection should be promoted.
Developed countries are urged to increase responsibility in helping developing countries in improving quality of human resource, healthcare and covering financial shortages among others.
The 132nd IPU Assembly and related meetings are being held in Vietnam's capital Hanoi from Saturday to Wednesday.
Source: XINHUA