Health

One of the Programme Focus Goals for the quadrennium 2007-2011 is 'Soroptimists will ensure that women and girls live in safe and healthy environments'.

The Programme Focus
Objective 3: Ensure access to health care for women and girls.
and
Objective 4: Support programmes and policies that eliminate HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and other major diseases.
will help Clubs to focus on particular Health Projects in order to achieve this Goal.

Soroptimist International Born Free Appeal:

In 2007 alone nearly 400,000 babies were born with HIV, passed on by their mother during pregnancy, delivery or breast feeding. The medicine to free a baby from HIV costs just 68p, but only 1 in 10 mothers with HIV receives the medicine and health care they need. SI are working with UNICEF which supplies testing kits and ARV medicine for affected families as well as providing counselling on infant feeding options, family planning and nutritional support.

World Aids Day is 1st December 2008.

The fund raising appeal runs until February 2009 and further information can be accessed on:

• www.unicef.org.uk/soroptimist
• www.soroptimist-ukpac.org

At the Harrogate Conference a motion was passed relating to the need for regulation of the use of sun-beds. 60% of 14-15 year olds are using sun-beds and this is a concern as there is a year on year increase in the incidence of malignant melanoma [skin cancer]. It is the third most common cancer in 15-24 year olds and has a high mortality rate and artificial tanning use is a major risk factor.

Work can be done by raising awareness and encouraging schools to have a sun safe policy.

The Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa is dedicated to repairing obstetric fistulae and training doctors from other developing countries so that the effect of their work is spreading worldwide, restoring new life and dignity to thousands of women who may otherwise have perished. More information may be obtained at www.fistulatrust.org

World Health Day on 7th April 2008 focusses on the need to protecthealth from the adverse effects of climate change - these include:

• The surveillance and control of infectious diseases e.g. TB and Malaria.
• Ensuring safer use of diminishing water supplies.
• Co-ordinating health action emergencies.

Rita Allen March 2008