Guatemala City -On October 28, the Government of Guatemala stated its solid commitment to the immediate implementation of the norms and programs of the Law of Family Planning. This commitment was declared during the launch of the campaign for reproductive health which involved the governments of Guatemala, the United States, and the private sector.
This is the first time in history that the private sector has expressed their solid commitment to women's health issues in Guatemala.
The goals of the campaign is seeking to inform all women of their rights concerning health issue, the importance of breastfeeding, family planning and preventing unwanted pregnancies among adolescents girls.
High rates of maternal mortality put Guatemala as second highest in Latin America. 150 women out of 100 thousand women die in childbirth each year. Maternal and infant mortality among indigenous people is three times higher than non-indigenous.
Isabel Gutierrez of Bosch, of the Juan Bautista Gutierrez Foundation, expressed that the fight for women's health and women's rights has been fought for more than 30 years in Guatemala. She stated "It is sad and disturbing that a girl of 12 years instead of playing with dolls is raising a child. I have seen too many girls suffer, that's why I support this campaign."
The First Lady of Guatemala Sandra Torres de Colom participated as the highest level representative of the government in this activity. She explained that population policies have to be implemented in a comprehensive way in urban and rural areas, guaranteeing access to health care, education, productive projects and microcredit. "The Government's concern is that the services reach all women in Guatemala, regardless of their ethnic or economic status. It is a human right for all women" said Sandra Torres de Colom.
The implementation of actions to improve women's health will be increased through programs like My Familia Progresa (My Family Progresses), medical conferences, delivery of ambulances in the 45 priority municipalities, 24 hours services of health care in health centers, equipment and the recruitment of medical personnel. These are part of the Government's priorities to bring health care to all women and to reduce mortality rates.
Photo Presidential Press Office
