For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
May 17, 2002
Remarks by Mrs. Bush for Women's Wellness Roundtable - Budapest, Hungary
Thank you, and welcome to this forum on women's health and
wellness.
Studies throughout the world show that women's health and the
opportunities they have in life are directly related to the strength of
a country's economy and of the level of education attained by its
children. In Hungary, both women's health and quality of life are
improving. However, much work remains to be done.
The United States is a partner in many efforts to support Hungarian
communities, strengthen families, and improve women's health and
welfare.
In fact, the United States is proud to announce its pledge of
$500,000 dollars - or 1,340,482 forint - to establish a Women's Health
Initiative in Hungary.
Through a USAID grant to the American International Health
Alliance, communities in the United States and Hungary will be able to
collaborate over the next two years in developing community-based
programs that address the special needs of women. The grant will be
further amplified by the voluntary resources of the American
communities and health institutions that will be selected to work with
their Hungarian counterparts in the coming months.
Since 1998, Hungary has been involved in the World Health
Organization's Association of Healthy Cities; 23 Hungarian cities now
belong to the Hungarian Association of Healthy Cities - united in their
effort to promote comprehensive local strategies for health and
sustainable development.
This involvement demonstrates your strong commitment to making life
better for women.
With the support of their American counterparts, the Hungarian
Association and its member cities will be able to further strengthen
their capacity to mobilize local community resources. Community
leaders from both countries--
health advocates, members of the clergy, counseling professionals,
business people, and others -- will have a chance to work together to
establish new programs that address the needs of women.
When I think of a partnership, I think of equals coming together to
learn from each other, as we are today. Women everywhere need
encouragement, guidance, support and access to important health
information and resources. Most of all, they need to know they are not
alone. I believe our united efforts will make a difference.
A round-table discussion is about listening - listening to other
people's ideas, and being willing to learn. So that's what I'm going
to do now.. listen and learn. Thank you.
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