On International Women’s Day 2011 SOS Malta calls for ‘Ensuring women’s and girls’ health is a human right.'

SOS Malta goes on to say that maternal health is central to women’s overall health, and women’s health affects everyone: healthy women contribute to the health and well-being of their children, families, communities, and nations. And everyone has a role to play in ensuring that their health is a priority.

Worldwide, far too many women die each year from complications of pregnancy and childbirth. The majority of these deaths can be prevented if women’s basic human rights are guaranteed.

SOS Malta is currently participating in a EuropeAid project ‘Save Women’s Lives’ – A Campaign to raise public awareness on Millennium Development Goal 5 (Improve Maternal Health). The overall objective of the project is to contribute towards reducing poverty by promoting maternal health, influencing public opinion and enhancing support among decision makers as a key to reaching MDG5 by 2015.

For more information on Millennium Development Goal 5 and the Save Women’s Lives Campaign, visit www.mothersnight.com