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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | ||||
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| REMARKS BY: | TOMMY G. THOMPSON, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
| PLACE: | The World Health Assembly, Geneva, Switzerland |
| DATE: | May 14, 2002 |
I am honored to represent the United States of America at this Assembly and to reaffirm, on behalf of President George W. Bush, my country's strong commitment to the WHO.
The ties we create at the World Health Assembly bind countries together - common bonds that safeguard public health, prevent and combat disease, and improve the health and well-being of all people. Such ties mean even more to us today, as we join together to fight the evils of terrorism.
The recent terrorist attacks on the United States have confirmed that the intentional release of smallpox is not a remote possibility. Twenty years ago, the global community, under the leadership of WHO, worked hard to eradicate this deadly disease.
But today we agree with the recommendation of the Director-General that further research is needed on the virus to develop new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools. And the United States stands ready to provide assistance to other countries to help them deal with any outbreak of smallpox, whether resulting from a natural re-emergence of the disease or from its intentional use as a bioweapon.
While this assistance could include provision of vaccine and other needed medical supplies, the world cannot depend solely on the U.S. for the global supply of vaccine. We will work bilaterally and through WHO to help other nations and regional groups develop the ability to produce international stockpiles of smallpox vaccine.
We continue to explore ways to use our resources and expertise to improve the lives of all our citizens. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and last week's UN Special Session on Children all exemplify our collective efforts to find new ways to work together.
Yet we continue to face serious public health challenges. Ours is a daunting task, energized by an awareness of our shared humanity. All nations have a stake as partners in a common battle. And please have no doubt that President Bush and I are committed to working with you as, together, we wage war against the historic enemies of humankind - disease, epidemic and illness.
Yet too often, our partnerships have been disconnected and incomplete. We must consider all potential partners -- the private sector, foundations, community and faith-based organizations, and the research community. Working together is not a cliché but a necessity.
We must work creatively to find sustainable solutions through strong international and public/private partnerships.
One such partnership we are undertaking in my own country involves preventive health care. We are working with companies, media, private organizations and other agencies of the U.S. federal government to communicate to the American people the importance of disease prevention. We're encouraging moderate but consistent exercise … more wise choice of foods … and no smoking … as key ways to improve the quality and longevity of life.
Just a few days ago, I was joined at my department by some leading athletes to talk about the importance of staying in shape. Just 30 minutes of walking a day, five days a week, can significantly improve your health. Showcasing some sports heroes sends a strong message to young people that exercise is important.
And I have had news conferences with the victims of diabetes and other ailments to underscore the need for better dietary and lifestyle choices.
As I have launched our preventive health campaign, I have sought counsel from leading experts in my government. In the same way, over the past year, I have been gratified as many of you have reached out to me in friendship to help me better understand the concerns important to all of us.
Getting to know a number of you, my colleagues, and gaining an understanding or your work and the challenges you face, has reinforced my commitment to working with you to find shared solutions. Permit me to mention a few ways in which the Bush Administration has worked and is working to do just that:
Recognizing the link between economic development assistance and sound policies in developing countries, the President has initiated a new Millennium Challenge account to help developing nations improve their economies and strengthen good governance. A key component of the initial pledge of $5 billion over the next three years is to provide investments for the health and education of the people of developing countries, including health care and immunizations.
In addition, the United States has pledged $500 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. These funds will support a range of health programs, prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and provide care to infected individuals and their families in many of the most affected nations. They will also help build the needed capacity at the local and national levels to implement prevention, counseling and treatment services.
I led a White House mission to Africa last month to visit with Ministers of Health and community-based providers of care to explore strategies to combat HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. We discussed ways to work together better to prevent mother-to-child transmission, address the growing numbers of AIDS orphans, and expand programs and services to support those most at-risk.
I recently joined the Caribbean island nations to sign a Pan-Caribbean Partnership Agreement to bolster our collaborations on the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS.
Our Global AIDS program in the Caribbean provides experts within the countries affected in order to improve care and treatment and build capacity to address the global pandemic.
The Pan American Health Organization has also been vital to the well-being of the Western Hemisphere, and I have valued working with its outstanding leaders on matters of regional concern.
I would also like to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Pan American Health Organization. All our neighbors in the Americas Region and people around the world appreciate the important contributions PAHO has made to public health and science over the years.
Let me also thank Sir George Alleyne for his leadership of PAHO, which has produced a higher quality of life for millions. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors and look forward to working with his successor as time goes on.
I would be remiss not to mention that in the United States, our National Institutes of Health remain the premier scientific research institutions in the world. Funding has increased to expand research in vaccine development, nutrition, women and children's health, and health disparities.
We are also working to better understand the links between lifestyles and disease so we can help reduce risk and improve health outcomes. The Bush Administration has released $1.1 billion to our states to help them strengthen their capacity to respond to bioterrorism, and the President and I are now requesting $4.3 billion for bioterrorism preparedness to help get us even more ready for a potential attack.
We are also addressing many other critical public health needs. From cancer research to prenatal care, we are focusing on the full range of public health issues affecting our citizens and men, women and children throughout the world.
I compliment everyone at WHO on their hard work and leadership. This has been a banner year for the Organization in the release of the Report of the WHO Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, their continued efforts in mental health and tobacco control, and their help in assessing the risks of bioterrorism.
Dr. Brundtland, the United States applauds your strong leadership and your vision for the future. You have placed health squarely in the global policy dialogue in a way that few could have foreseen just a few years ago. I look forward to working with you and with my colleagues at this Assembly to achieve the goals you have set for us.
The United States is committed to remaining active in the many spheres of international health whose implications for the present and the future affect everyone in some way. We are your partners. Our resources, expertise and knowledge must be drawn together in common purpose if we are to more fully achieve the goal of a healthier world for all.
Our common agenda for good health cuts across governments, cultures, language and politics. The health, economic development and overall well-being of our people are why each of us is here today and why we must continue to work in tandem with one another.
We can accomplish so much more by working together in partnership. I look forward to working with all of you at this Assembly. Thank you very much.