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Address to the 50th WHO Assembly
PR831
06/05/1997
06/05/1997
| Ambassador Michael Bartolo has today, the 6th May 1997 addressed | the 50th Session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, on behalf of the Hon. Minister Dr. Michael Farrugia, Minister for Health, Care for the Elderly and Family Affairs. |
| The full text of the statement delivered by Ambassador Bartolo is | attached. |
Mr. Chairman, Director-General, Distinguished delegates
| Due to unforeseen Parliamentary duties, the Hon. Minister for | Health, Dr. Michael Farrugia, has had to curtail his visit at this World Health Assembly. He sends his sincere apologies, wishes all the participants the best wishes for a fruitful meeting and looks forward to future co-operation with all member states. |
| On behalf of the Government of Malta I would like to congratulate | you, Mr. Chairman on your appointment. The Maltese Government and particularly the Ministry for Health promises its support in your onerous task. I would also like to congratulate the Director-General and the secretariat on their dedication which also reflects the excellent work performed by the Organisation. |
| Our thanks go to all the WHO staff for their contribution to | improving the health of citizens of this world we live in. We know that all the regional offices and we know particularly our European Regional Office, have made a substantial contribution, often against all odds and sometimes at risk to their lives, to fulfil the tasks and mission of our organisation. |
| This is done with efficiency, effectiveness and dedication. We know | that the turbulent political situation that is facing several parts of our World and especially those that we have seen at close hand in the North of the Mediterranean have lead to new health problems which have in turn given rise to new pressures and priorities vis-a'-vis our health dimensions in Europe and the World. We are grateful to all the WHO staff members, in all the regions, for the sterling world they have performed. |
| The World Health Report for this year has focused on one of the | major problems we are now facing in many of the member states. The result of lengthening life expectancy and the changes in lifestyle has not only created problems relevant to the changing structure of society and thus the framework on which our health services have to be modelled, but has created a need for the development of health services which are more focused on prevention then care. |
| Adding years to life has posed global problems not only because the | numbers of our elderly population has exponentially increased, but also because these numbers are needing more medical care. This new sector of our World Population is posing new challenges in the treatment and care of cancer, circulatory diseases, mental disorders - especially dementia, chronic respiratory conditions and musculoskeletal diseases. |
| Many of these diseases which were previously refereed to as | diseases of affluence are also showing an increase in many of the less developed countries. As the World Health Report so rightly states this is not being helped by the increased use of Tobacco, alcohol and drug use. |
| The report once again highlights the seriousness of the situation | and has indicated the way ahead for prevention and control. We are very aware of the need for more education of health prevention and more input should be given by our member states on the promotion of health. This does not only focus on the prevention of infectious diseases but also on the non infectious diseases. |
| The promotion of a healthier lifestyle should help to reduce the | risks of disease from smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, inappropriate diet and inadequate activity. It is also the vehicle to help improve reproductive and maternal health, curb occupational hazards and reduce situations of stress at the place of work. |
| Malta has all along supported health efforts at global, regional | and sub-regional level. We have always stressed the importance for countries to world together in a spirit of co-operation and support. We have to share resources, we have to share expertise and ensure that this is available to all who require it. We need to tackle global health problems with global strategies. |
| Malta has started this with the establishment of the International | Institute for the Ageing which not only helps to provide expertise to many other member states but has been instrumental in establishing strategies and resources on a global scale. We have to ensure that on the eve of a new millennium we are made responsible for the use of our facilities and that we look not only at the increase in the number of years that our population is living to, but more importantly at the quality of all their life. |
| Finally, Mr. chairman, my delegation reiterates its support for the | conclusions and the priority areas identified in this document and we would also appeal to all the other member states to join together in a concerted action to support the WHO in its proposals. This can only be done by giving the organisation the full support and political commitment which is necessary to see a better world reaching the threshold of the new millennium. |
Thank you.
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