NUCLEAR POWER IN BELARUS AND WORLDWIDE
Minsk played host to the WHO European Ministerial Conference on 21-22 October. The health ministers and delegates of the states - members of the WHO European region, representatives of regional economic cooperation organizations and international non-governmental organizations gathered in Minsk to discuss The Life-course Approach in the Context of Health 2020. The results of long-term researches in genetics, medicine, public health, ecology, economics and social sciences were presented at the conference. In an exclusive interview to BelTA, Ms Marie-Pierre Poirier , UNICEF Special Coordinator for the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe, UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of the Independent States, talks about what the optimal health policy should be.
Ms Marie-Pierre, the conference is held under the motto "Acting early, acting appropriately, acting together.” Using this three-pronged approach, according to the participants of the conference, will help improve people's health throughout their life, will provide the basis for the development of future generations. Which aspects does UNICEF see as the key ones?
For UNICEF, consideration of issues through the prism of a life cycle means an integrated approach to addressing the key problems related to the rights of the child. It is impossible to consider separately the aspects related to the education of the child, his health, development, social protection. All these issues are interrelated. Multi-sectoral approach benefits a child at an early stage of his life, in adolescence. It will be important for the person who he will become when he grows up.
Early life is expected to be a good start for the mental and physical health of the child. In adolescence, it is necessary to give up risky behavior because the consequences of the incorrect path of development will "re-echo" the whole life. Therefore resistance to negative impacts, building up a personal potential is essential for every young person.
The outcome document of the current conference – the Minsk Declaration - will be an important tool in the implementation of European policy Health 2020. What points of this document are aimed at strengthening the health of the younger generation?
The goals that the children's healthcare pursues cannot be achieved only by the efforts of the healthcare system. We are talking about the need for care and support, protection of children against violence, about their interaction with adults, nutrition, education, and inclusion in society. These are the bricks to build a happy life and future. Quality investment in the younger generations is the most efficient way towards sustainable development.
Talking of the economy, are there any calculations of returns on such investments?
From the point of view of ethics and moral standards, such investments are priceless as they bring benefit to each and every person and the society in general. As for the economy, one U.S. dollar invested in a child returns seven-eight dollars (this money will not be spent on treatment or palliative care for adult patients). These are the World Bank's estimates.
What risk factors do you think produce the strongest effect on teenagers?
Belarus has achieved impressive results in reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates. This is why the aspects of development have come to the fore today. Risk factors are manifold: smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, unprotected sex leading to HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, and deterioration of health. I would say that in Europe smoking has gone out of fashion. It is not cool anymore. Meanwhile, Belarusian teenagers expose themselves to this risk (often following the example of adults). Teenage suicide statistics in the country are alarming. In this context, I believe, it is impossible to overestimate the importance of communication with teenagers. They should feel that the Belarusian society needs them today and in the future.
UNICEF works with teenagers at risk, detects their vulnerability at early stages, and provides support. It is very important to help them move forward leaving the negative experience behind. In general, UNICEF views adolescence as a source of opportunities, not problems.
According to the results of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey of the situation of children and women in Belarus carried out with the support of UNICEF, as many as 0.7% of young women and 3.4% young men in Belarus had their first sexual experience before they turned 15. What are the figures for other European countries?
In all the countries where such surveys were conducted, cases of early sexual debut were detected. We should admit that, unfortunately, in some countries this problem is still hidden from the public eye.
I want to emphasize: UNICEF considers all people under 18 as children. This age is too early to become parents. Teen pregnancy is a risk factor, as well as early sexual relations.
The United Nations Children's Fund's project on preventing traumas in children has been launched in Belarus. Traumas in children are a serious problem for the country. What do you think should be done to reduce damage from consequences of the traumas for children, families, and the society as a whole?
I would like to mention two main approaches to dealing with the major problem. First of all, all kinds of legal restrictions can be introduced. For instance, the speed of vehicles can be limited. Safer buildings and structures can be constructed and so on. Second, public education is in order. The younger generation can be taught to avoid risks and practice a more responsible attitude towards their health and lives. The system used to provide medical, social, and psychological aid to those, who receive traumas, should be developed for the sake of getting the victims back to a normal life faster, for the sake of reinstating them as active members of the society.
In September 2015 the UNICEF Executive Board adopted a new five-year program on cooperation with the Belarus government in 2016-2020. What are UNICEF's priorities in promoting health and wellbeing of children and teenagers?
Within the framework of the new cooperation program in 2016-2020 UNICEF intends to advocate a healthy lifestyle among the teenagers, who practice risky behavior. UNICEF will also continue providing support to teenagers, who are at odds with the law. We are going to work to expand the participation of vulnerable groups in public life. It means we are going to help them acquire effective communication and problem-resolving skills. UNICEF will work to create a steady behavior matrix in teenagers with regard to harmful habits. UNICEF and UNFPA will continue cooperation for the sake of improving the quality of services provided by teenager-friendly centers.
At the same time it is necessary to teach the adults to listen to and hear voices and opinions of children, young people and teenagers. Close attention should be paid to disabled children, orphans, and victims of violence. Promising initiatives have been launched in the country. The work should be continued. We congratulate Belarus on signing the convention on rights of people with disabilities. We expect further steps in this context.
Can we count on UNICEF's support in a more distant future?
I understand the subtext of your question. Indeed, UNICEF is reducing the volume of funding in the countries where positive results have been secured for the sake of channeling the funds into less developed countries. However, it does not mean that UNICEF exercises less effort in such countries. UNICEF has always been and will be a reliable partner in securing the common goal of making this world better for our kids.
Yelena PRUS, BelTA.
