Title: Future of international health. WHO is taking proactive role in advancing policy of health for all [letter]

POPLINE Document Number: 129065

Author(s):

Antezana FS

Source citation:

BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.), 1997 Nov 1;315(7116):1163-4.

Abstract:

Substantial progress has been made during the past 18 months within the World Health Organization (WHO) with regard to addressing the issues raised in the renewal of the Health for All process. It is clear that WHO is taking a proactive role in advancing the health for all policy. However, Fiona Godlee's editorial, which focused upon internal and external debates, failed to capture the full scope of the process. Godlee did not note that those debates have been both formally and informally linked to the renewal process, a process which WHO holds to be central to the future course of world health. WHO's views are shared by its member states and governing bodies. Policy renewal was discussed during the 50th World Health Assembly in May and during the subsequent session of the executive board. Fundamental actions suggested during the board meeting include creating a universal Health for All value system which explicitly considers the pursuit of human rights and health security, equity, ethics, and a gender perspective, making health central to development. The complexity of future health demands requires consideration of a broader agenda for global health action, not one which is narrow and disease specific.

Keywords:

Global
Health
Social Policy
WHO
Policy
UN
International Agencies
Organizations