International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The health situation for women and girls around the world has deteriorated further as a result of the global economic crisis, it has been reported.

Speaking in a statement for World Population Day 2009, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said females made up "the majority of the world's poor" even before the current crisis and the severity of this situation continues to increase.

"Now, they are falling deeper into poverty and face increased health risks, especially if they are pregnant," she added.

Ms Obaid said there were not only ethical and social justifications for investing in women's health, but also economic reasons.

"An investment in contraceptive services can be recouped four times over—and sometimes dramatically more over the long term - by reducing the need for public spending on health, education and other social services," she added.

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon claimed this week that investing in the health of women and girls is the best way to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.