Art for Health (A4H)

A4H revolves around a style of artistic expression originally developed during the Pop Art movement. Centring around exhibitions created by Italian artist Elisabetta Farina, the positive images - some of which may be seen by clicking here - are designed to encourage the viewer to shun the stereotypical notion that underprivileged women are hapless victims. Instead, through images of women accompanied by "speech balloons" with phrases such as "I want to fight with dreams in my soul, with you" and "It is brave to be involved", Farina asks the viewer to see women from varied backgrounds as fully capable of confronting their adverse life circumstances.

In addition to the use of the internet to share these images, and to invite members of the public to download screen savers, etc., A4H involves in-person exhibitions around the world. For instance, the official A4H inauguration in June 2007 in Rome, Italy, drew approximately 10,000 health authorities, politicians, scientists, and journalists. The paintings are also available for display at congresses and other meetings and events, and can also be used for campaigns (for printing on posters, calendars, cards, handbags, etc.) related to promotion of women's and children's health).

Women, Children, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Health, Rights.

WHO states that indicators of sexual and reproductive health continue to show wide differences between developed and developing countries. For example, 530,000 women and 3 million newborn babies die each year from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and almost all of these potentially preventable deaths occur in developing countries.

According to WHO, "[t]ime is now right for advocacy campaigns in the area of sexual and reproductive health to reach beyond the scientific and public health communities to generate the much needed resources for improving the health of women and children in developing countries. To facilitate this process, the A4H project is actively seeking the involvement of celebrities and other influential people to act as spokespersons....[In addition,] WHO welcomes requests from individuals and institutions to use these paintings for exhibitions or other types of events and activities...[as well as] suggestions from individuals and organizations on how best to display the available artwork and how best to use it for innovative advocacy activities."