Message from the FIGO President on the International Day for People of African Descent

The International Day for People of African Descent is a solemn reminder of the enduring legacies of slavery, colonialism and systemic racism that proceed to form well being and social outcomes at present. Women and youngsters of African descent usually face disproportionate boundaries to healthcare, together with larger charges of maternal mortality, restricted entry to sexual and reproductive well being companies, and poorer well being indicators pushed by structural discrimination and social determinants. These inequities are usually not solely a violation of human rights but additionally a stark reflection of how racism interprets into preventable struggling.

FIGO recognises that addressing racism and well being disparities is integral to advancing international girls’s well being. Through its committees and strategic priorities, FIGO is dedicated to analysis, advocacy and constructing partnerships that spotlight and dismantle structural inequities. This contains selling culturally respectful care, amplifying the voices of African girls and well being professionals, and strengthening accountability for fairness in maternal, new child and reproductive well being outcomes.

As FIGO President, I name upon governments, establishments and international companions to confront racism as a determinant of well being, put money into inclusive methods, and make sure that girls and women of African descent are totally empowered to understand their proper to dignity, well being, social and reproductive justice.