In her Commonwealth Day Message, on March 13, Queen Elizabeth delivered a message on health and vitality, saying that good health was a precious gift although many people did not share in it.

HM The Queen

In her Commonwealth Day Message, on March 13, Queen Elizabeth delivered a message on health and vitality, saying that good health was a precious gift although many people did not share in it.

“Some forty million women die each year in pregnancy and childbirth – and the death of any mother has huge consequences for the rest of the family, yet very many of these deaths are preventable with adequate healthcare,” she said. “Ignorance and lack of understanding about these issues sometimes breed uncertainty, even fear and the inclination to turn from those who are unwell. But we know for example that someone who is HIV positive can, with proper support, lead a full and rewarding life.”

The Queen observed that Commonwealth governments were playing their part in tackling disease and improving health for all. “Polio, for example, used to cast its shadow across many countries,” she went on. “Today, thanks to concerted international action, just a handful still need to eliminate polio. The same approach and commitment to other global scourges, such as malaria and tuberculosis can achieve equally impressive results.

“There is also much we can do through non-governmental organisations and especially as individuals. Poor health is sometimes linked to the way we choose to live. But many of us can often take steps to eat better food or take more exercise. We can also as communities work to improve our surroundings to make them cleaner, safer places in which to live.”

The Head of the Commonwealth made the point that good health was wonderfully exemplified on the sports field and that such events could spur extraordinary human achievement. She noted also the value of sport in cooperation and team-work and the importance of mental and physical control. The queen stated that the Commonwealth games she was opening in Melbourne were an opportunity for the athletes to achieve new heights of excellence. “As we watch our finest sportsmen and women compete, we will see clearly what exercise at the very highest level can contribute to both body and spirit,” she said.

Queen Elizabeth added that as Governments in the Commonwealth tackle many important challenges, individuals could also play their part “so that in pursuing health and vitality for all, we bring hope to the world.”

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News