Opening Remarks by H.E. Mr. Jun Yamazaki
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA,
Mr. Hideto Takeuchi of TOKYO FM broadcasting Co.,
Ms. Aya Komaki of Sanrio,
Mr. Shin Odake of UNIQLO,
Mr. Hiroyuki Hioka of Japan Airlines,
And Hello Kitty,
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the official launch in the United States of the Hellosmile project, a joint campaign to prevent cervical cancer, initiated by TOKYO FM Broadcasting, and joined by Sanrio and UNIQLO. I would also like to recognize Japan Airlines, which has being flying the “Hellosmile JET” to raise awareness for this cause.
Dr. Osotimehin, since his assumption of office as the Executive Director of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has put focus on the issues related to women. We understand today’s event is one of the culminations of such effort, and we salute him for that sustained work.
The occurrence of cervical cancer is relatively high for women in their 20s and 30s and hence the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan has been promoting testing. However, only 24% of women in this age group are undergoing the test. Because increase in such screening dramatically contributes to lowering the chances of death, raising the percentage of women taking the screening is urgent for Japan. It is also important for other countries as well.
Given such circumstances, it is most timely and appropriate that TOKYO FM Broadcasting together with Sanrio, UNIQLO and Japan Airlines is advancing the Hellosmile Project. Such initiative from the private sector deserves high praise indeed.
Finally, I would like to express my Government’s best wishes for the success of the Hellosmile Project, with its work contributing to accurate knowledge of cervical cancer becoming widespread, to advancing prevention and to raising the percentage of women who will take screening for cervical cancer, which in turn will lead to early detection and early treatment.
Once again, congratulations. |
