President Sergio Mattarella said
Monday that having a strong public health system was a necessary
condition for Italy to combat its declining birth-rate in his
message for World Health Day.
"Italy's maternal and infant mortality rate are encouraging and
testify to the presence of a widespread healthcare system
capable of guaranteeing high quality care and support to
expectant mothers and newborns," Mattarella said. "The
increasing decline in the birth rate that afflicts our country,
however, requires constant, targeted commitment to ensure the
continuity and quality of services, for the benefit of all
generations, in adherence to the universal nature of our
healthcare system".
The president described the right to health care as an
achievement of "civilisation".
"It is the result of decades of civic engagement, popular
mobilisation, social reforms and scientific advances," the head
of State said.
"The recent pandemic highlighted how vulnerable global health is
and how crucial it is to invest in robust health systems that
are ready to face emergencies".
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