Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) has challenged the World Health Assembly to consider the
potential impact on health worldwide of the changing poverty map – with
70% of the world’s poor living in middle-income countries with emerging
economies.
“Will economic growth be accompanied by a proportionate
increase in domestic budgets for health? Will countries put polices in
place to ensure that benefits are fairly shared?” she asked. “If not,
the world will see a growing number of rich countries full of poor
people.”
She also alerted delegates to the importance of addressing
climate change: “In March, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
issued its most dismal report to date, with a strong focus on the
consequences for health.” Many delegates focused on the links between
climate and health in the Health Assembly’s opening plenary debate,
particularly the impact of climate on important social and environmental
determinants of health – clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient
food and secure shelter.
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