Harney urged to draw up new health strategy for women

The National Women's Council is calling on the Minister for Health Mary Harney to draw up a new health strategy for women that meets international standards.

In a report due to be presented to Ms Harney today, the council says the current health strategy is failing to take account of the inequality faced by women and the effect this has on their health.

It says figures show women are more likely to fall victim to poverty and the current strategy cannot cope with problems like the significantly higher rate of cervical cancer among women in deprived areas.

The Women’s Council also says the cancer death rate among Irish women is the second highest in western Europe, while issues like eating disorders must also be dealt with in any new action plan.