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19/07/2018
Belfast And L'Derry Have Highest Premature Death Rates
The SDLP has hit out after it was revealed that deprived areas in Belfast and L'Derry have the highest premature death rates.
SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed".
She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
She said: "The figures also show that there are 517 avoidable deaths per 100,000 in the poorest parts of Belfast. That is 517 mums, dads, brothers, sisters and 517 families left devastated; devastation and heartache that is avoidable. This must act as a wakeup call to us all.
"When you tackle poverty, you can begin to transform lives. This is why the SDLP has consistently called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy, with clear cross cutting targets focusing on health, education, employment and housing. An Anti-Poverty Strategy must be included in the Programme for Government and this remains a key priority for us in the resumption of any new Talks process.
"It is a disgrace in our society in this day and age that people are suffering and dying early because of poverty. We need an Executive in place, an Executive that is committed to tackling poverty and has it as a key priority."
(CD/MH)
SDLP Social Justice spokesperson Nichola Mallon said the "most vulnerable in our society are being failed".
She also called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy.
She said: "The figures also show that there are 517 avoidable deaths per 100,000 in the poorest parts of Belfast. That is 517 mums, dads, brothers, sisters and 517 families left devastated; devastation and heartache that is avoidable. This must act as a wakeup call to us all.
"When you tackle poverty, you can begin to transform lives. This is why the SDLP has consistently called for a standalone Anti-Poverty Strategy, with clear cross cutting targets focusing on health, education, employment and housing. An Anti-Poverty Strategy must be included in the Programme for Government and this remains a key priority for us in the resumption of any new Talks process.
"It is a disgrace in our society in this day and age that people are suffering and dying early because of poverty. We need an Executive in place, an Executive that is committed to tackling poverty and has it as a key priority."
(CD/MH)
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