New support for access to health care for women and children in Guinea-Bissau
The European Union has decided to finance a new programme, worth €5.5 million, to facilitate access to basic health care for pregnant women and children under five in the regions of Biombo, Cacheu, Ohio and Farim in Guinea-Bissau, which have a total population of approximately 520 000 people.
The Programme will make medicines available at rural health centres during a first, 36-month phase. It will also facilitate the daily work of healthcare staff by improving their training and supplying equipment. Since 52% of the population live more than 5 km from a healthcare centre, the programme includes basic healthcare training for members of the most remote village communities so that they can respond to immediate needs, particularly in the case of women and children. Andris Piebalgs, Development Commissioner, said: "Too often, pregnancy and childbirth put the women of Guinea-Bissau at risk, and too many of the country's children suffer the effects of malnutrition and inadequate healthcare. Through better protection for women and children, and better access to health care, the European Union aims to promote real change for current and future generations."
Link to the press release: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-739_en.htm
