World Health Assembly hosts appeals for new approaches to health problems

The 58th World Health Assembly opened with a series of appeals from senior figures in the health world for a more ambitious approach to the health problems affecting the poverty-stricken people around the world.

Dr Lee Jong-wook, director general, WHO, urged countries to work together, and drew attention to what he called 'the most serious known health threat the world is facing - avian influenza,' pointing out that 'the timing cannot be predicted, but rapid international spread is certain once the susceptible virus appears. This is a grave danger for all people in all countries, we must do everything in our power to maximize preparedness. When this event occurs, our response has got to be immediate, comprehensive and effective.'

His Excellency, Mr Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president of the Maldives, a guest speaker at the assembly, urged more attention to be paid to the environment and health, highlighting the ways that recent major world changes, 'globalization, fast air travel and trade,' have 'opened windows for the rapid spread of infectious diseases from one part of the world to another within a matter of days.'

Bill Gates spoke of the 'heroic efforts' of health workers in situations where 'disease is rampant and resources are scarce,' and called for the building of a world where 'all people, no matter where they're born, can have the preventive care, vaccines, and treatment they need to live a healthy life.'

He went on to underline his hope for the future, which rests on the 'astonishing miracles' of science and technology, and called on governments in developed countries to increase their financial commitments; governments in developing countries to dramatically increase the proportion of their budgets spent on health; and for more resources devoted to research for diseases affecting people in developing countries.