KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will become the first Asian
nation to host a world conference dedicated to reducing maternal mortality and
achieving universal access to reproductive health.
The Global Women Deliver Conference 2013, the third in the series, is
expected to attract 5,000 delegates and generate an estimated RM47.4 million in
economic impact. The conference has been held in London and Washington
previously.
Malaysia was chosen to be the host country due to its status as a
fast-growing democratic and liberal progressive country with stability and sound
socio economic and developmental policies, said Datuk Dr Raj Karim, a consultant
of Women Deliver.
Women Deliver, which has its headquarters in New York, is a global advocacy
organisation which brings together voices from around the world to call for
action to improve the health and well-being of girls and women.
It will organise the conference with the support of the Malaysia Convention
& Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
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Dr Raj said Malaysia had been noted for its efforts to improve women’s
health and reduce maternal mortality as a national initiative and a national
priority long before international agencies called for attention to lower
maternal mortality.
She said the selection of Malaysia as the venue of the conference was based
on the government’s commitment to improve the health of the people.
"Malaysia is internationally recognised for its comprehensive and
well-planned health care system reaching out to remote rural populations and
providing free or affordable health care across all ages.
"In fact, Malaysia has one of the best primary health care service delivery
systems in the region or even globally," she said.
Dr Raj said that by hosting the conference, Malaysia would have an
opportunity to share its experience with other lesser developed countries with
high maternal mortality and learn of new advances and modern technology that can
save women’s lives and improve their health.
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The conference could also provide a platform for participating countries to
share their experiences on elimination of poverty, empowerment of women and
education of girls, which are crucial to improving women’s health, she said.
Dr Raj said Malaysia provided a compelling setting for the conference as the
country aimed to work globally to generate political commitment and financial
investment for fulfilling Millennium Development Goals which called for reducing
maternal mortality and achieving universal access to reproductive health.
More information on the conference can be obtained from
http://www.womendeliver.org/.
-- BERNAMA
SHY SHY MGN