The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on 7 April 1948 aiming at helping the countries to improve the peoples's health rate. Its 50th commemoration this year, together with the issuance of a stamp series. The Rp 300 stamp denotes the shared needs and care of the mother and baby. The Rp 700 stamp desribes the importance of family support. it is important for husbands to be aware of women's health, timely family planning and available community service in times of obsteric compilation.

Safe motherhood becomes the focus of the stamp designs in accordance with this year's commemoration theme. The Safe Motherhood initiative was launched in Indonesia on 29 June 1988 by The President. All sectors of society were called upon to promote safe motherhood and to reduce the number of  maternal deaths. The results can be seen during the pat ten year: coverage and access to primary health care service throughout Indonesia have been significantly improved.

Of all the health statistic monitored by the World Health Organization, maternal mortality is a global scourge. Every day, at least 1,600 women die from the complications of pregnancy and child birth. That is 585,000 women at a minimum dying every year. Almost 90% of these deaths occur in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This number is 18 times higher than that of developing countries, whereas the infant mortality rates are seven times higher. The Indonesian goverment has stated its commitment to reduce the maternal mortality from 421 per 100,000 live births to 225 per 100,000 live births by te year 2000.

To commemorate this year's World Health Day on 7 April, WHO has dedicated this event  to 'Safe Motherhood' with the slogan ''Pregnancy is special: Let's make It Safe''.       

TECHNICAL DETAIL

Stamps

Product code   : 980810

Issue date        : 26 June 1998

Denominations : 2 x Rp 700,-

Designs            : Students campaigning against drug abuse

Designers         : Ibnu Suroto

to be continued ...

19/06/2007