Health vital to social justice: Sonia

‘‘Political parties must take the initiative to make the entire gamut of mother and child healthcare a continuing factor in political agenda and help mobilisation through our cadre and workers,’’ she said.

Sonia further said that while economic growth was important, the country’s social sector challenges would demand more vigorous and sustained public sector intervention. The government was committed to increasing public investment in elementary education, health and family welfare, nutrition, women and child development, water supply and sanitation, she said, adding that ‘‘the increases have to be continued over the next decade at least’’.

The declaration highlights a way to achieve reductions in mother and child mortality rates. ‘‘The political agenda must embrace the removal of discrimination against the girl child. It must give pride of place to empowerment of women and ensure full legal equality,’’ Sonia said.