We hope that the Special Adviser and the Division for the Advancement of Women will continue to actively participate in the preparatory process paying greater attention to the status of national and regional preparations. Madame Chairperson, The programme of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, proclaiming social harmony, political stability and economic development the basic values of our society, identifies health, education and well-being of citizens of Kazakhstan among its priorities. In accordance with its long-term strategy, effective mechanisms are being developed to increase women s integration in social and political life and expand their representation in the leadership posts. My Government, fully committed to the follow-up process, has prepared a comprehensive report on the implementation of the outcome of the Forth Conference on Women, which has been submitted to the Division for the Advancement of Women. Maternal health does not show signs of improvement.
Women still die from haemorrhages, infections and toxaemia.
Maternal mortality rate is growing steadily, especially in areas with dislocated economies. The situation is especially acute in the severely degraded areas of the former nuclear test site of Semipalatinsk and the Aral Sea. These regions witness an increase in the number of women suffering from anaemia as well as respiratory and diarrheal infections. In this regard, we hope that these problems will be reflected in the outcome document of the special session of the General Assembly. Finally, Mr. Chairman, I would like to state that Kazakhstan is fully committed to do its utmost in advancement and empowerment of women, protecting their human dignity and promoting gender equality.