Bucharest, April 7 /Agerpres/ - Romania's interim President Ilie Bolojan and the Presidential Administration on Monday, April 7, World Health Day, released a message praising the healthcare professionals.

'Through their dedication and professionalism, they contribute every day to the well-being and safety of each of us,' the Presidential Administration said in the message.

This year's theme of World Health Day - 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures' - brings attention maternal and newborn health.

'It is a theme that reminds us how important it is to secure universal access to quality healthcare services and iron out health inequalities. The indicators on birth rate, maternal and infant mortality continue to highlight worrying developments in Romania. That is why concrete measures, well-targeted investments and constant support for communities with limited access to healthcare are needed. Every woman must be able to benefit from antenatal care, safe conditions for childbirth and postnatal support. These things are not privileges, but essential rights, which must be secured by a well-functioning and fair healthcare system. At the same time, promoting a healthy lifestyle and protecting the most vulnerable - children, the elderly, people from disadvantaged backgrounds - remain fundamental priorities for a sound and balanced society. It is equally important to maintain a solid relationship with Romanians abroad, to capitalise on their experience and contribution and to integrate them into public policies designed for public health, demographic balance and social cohesion.'

According to the Presidential Administration, World Health Day is 'a moment of reflection on the value of health as a basis for sustainable development and on the responsibility we have, as a society, to give every child a good start and every family the chance for a hopeful future.' AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Florentina Peia; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)