News Release

April 6, 20005

Statement from the Minister of Health and Minister of State for Public Health - World Health Day 2005

Healthy Mothers and Children - "Make Every Mother and Child Count"

April 7 is World Health Day, and the Government of Canada is proud to support and participate in this important occasion. As the flagship day for the World Health Organization (WHO), the goal of World Health Day is to raise global awareness on an area of concern. This year's theme is Healthy Mothers and Children - "Make Every Mother and Child Count".

Healthy mothers and children are central to the well-being of societies. Yet, every year over half a million women die in pregnancy and 10.6 million children die in largely preventable causes. Many more suffer from ill-health and malnutrition. This theme brings needed attention to this global health crisis.

To mark World Health Day, the Public Health Agency of Canada has prepared a Report on Maternal and Child Health in Canada . It shows that, overall, the health of mothers and children in Canada is among the best in the world. Even so, we must recognize emerging challenges and existing health disparities, including growing numbers of pre-term births, rising obesity rates, and the health gap faced by poor and socially marginalised populations.

One measure Canadians can take to reduce risks to their children's health is to ensure they are properly immunized. The Government of Canada has invested $300 million to support the introduction of new and recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines designed to help prevent serious illness.

In addition, we can be proud of our many community-based programs, such as Aboriginal Head Start, Community Action Program for Children and the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program. These programs reach thousands of families and children living with increased health risks.

There are many other ways to make a difference in the health of mothers and children, and one important way is to raise awareness. As Minister of Health and Minister of State for Public Health, we encourage all Canadians to take action and participate with us in marking World Health Day 2005.