Introduction

Introduction

Press Releases

Press Releases

Official Statements

Official Statements

 

World health day

STATEMENT BY UNICEF REPRESENTATIVE IN ARMENIA MR. SHELDON YETT ON OCCASION OF THE WORLD HEALTH DAY

7 April 2006, Yerevan

Mr. Davidiants, ladies and gentlemen, media representatives,

It is an honor to participate in today’s event marking World’s Health Day and I would like to express UNICEF’s appreciation for the work of our colleagues from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and other partners.

Safeguarding the health of children and their mothers, and combating the spread of preventable diseases - is central to UNICEF’s mission and are core components of the Millennium Development Goals.

Meeting the health related MDGs requires improvements in healthcare infrastructure and delivery.

In recent years Armenia has been showing steady progress in economic growth which has resulted in increased investments in all social sectors, including health. However, there is much more to be done. Of particular importance is investment in the health workforce.

Over the past decade, UNICEF has been working to strengthen the knowledge and skills of health professionals particularly in areas of immunization and management of childhood illnesses. Jointly with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, UNICEF has introduced new health protocols and services, and launched training activities.

Together we have achieved:
• Continued high immunization rates against preventable diseases
• Almost two-fold reduction of under-five mortality as compared to 1990
• Universal salt iodization

The results speak for themselves, and speak volumes about the capabilities of those who work in Armenia’s healthcare system. I am sure that further investments in this work force will mean even greater results.

Thank you.