By Holy See Mission
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Celestino MiglioreApostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy SeeEconomic and Social Council43rd session of the Commission on Population and
DevelopmentHealth, morbidity, mortality and developmentNew York, 12 April 2010
Mr. Chairman,
As this Commission on Population and Development convenes in the midst of an
ongoing economic and financial crisis, we would do well to listen to a
growing opinion among economists that demographic trends are part of the problem
and cannot be overlooked as an important part of the solution. The demographic
crisis that in a few decades has brought down annual population growth rates
from 7% to below 1% in many parts of the world, in tandem with the aging of the
population, has resulted in devastating effects for the economy and governance.
The correction of the population deficit with constant immigration does not seem
to resolve the problems even in the short term. The same demographic policies
that caused population growth rates to plunge to unsustainable levels need to be
reviewed and re-designed along with appropriate social policies to encourage
births.
Among the topics assigned to this year's CPD session, global health,
morbidity, mortality and development, the preparatory documents focus mainly on
maternal mortality.
According to UN statistics there are some half-million maternal deaths
annually of which approximately ninety-nine per cent occur in developing
countries. Not only do the lives of these mothers end in tragedy but also the
lives of their babies begin in turmoil. In the aftermath, the chance of
survival of their young children decreases dramatically resulting in the
disintegration of their families and hindrance to local development.
Sadly, these deaths represent only the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated
that for every mortality, thirty more women suffer long-term damage to their
health, such as from obstetric fistulae. The physical devastation caused by
fistulae makes them complete outcasts and isolated by family and society. They
suffer pain, humiliation, and lifelong disability if not treated. World-wide
perhaps two million of these poor, young and forgotten mothers are living with
the problem, most of whom are in Africa. These deaths of mothers and babies are
all the more shameful especially since they are readily preventable and
treatable.
The consensus of the obstetrical community is that mothers need essential
prenatal care, skilled attendants at all deliveries and specialist care for life
threatening complications. And yet, programs focused on providing the services
that ensure mothers and their babies survive pregnancy are badly
underfunded.
Investments in education and long-term development programs can provide
communities with the means for improving their own health. However, the
emigration of individuals with medical knowledge and skills from developing
countries results in the loss of the very expertise and people necessary to
improve the health-care systems in those countries.
In addition, governments must continue to address the urgent health needs of
children around the world. In 2008 alone, there were over 243 million cases of
malaria leading to over 800,000 deaths. Similarly, treatable and avoidable
respiratory infections, digestive diseases and illnesses resulting from
inadequate nutrition continue to be the main causes of death for children in the
developing world. Diseases which long have been eliminated in developed
countries continue to devastate children in the developing world and global
solidarity is necessary to ensure that poor children have access to necessary
medication and nutrition.
Mr. Chairman,
In extending health care to all, civil society, including faith-based
organizations, must be an engaged partner. In many corners of the globe,
Catholic hospitals and clinics continue to be the front-line providers for
primary health care, in particular to the most marginalized of society. These
nonprofit organizations provide care to those whom society has left behind or
for whom offering services is too difficult or too dangerous. By living with
and amongst those they serve these organizations promote solidarity within the
community and contribute a unique understanding of the community’s needs.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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