Ráðherra kynnir viðhorf Íslands í Genf

H.E. Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson                                                     

Minister of Health,

Iceland

World Health Assembly

61st Session

Geneva, 19 – 24 May 2008

Mr. President, Madam Director-General, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen!

Allow me to congratulate the President and the officers of the Sixty-First World Health Assembly on their election.  My delegation would also like to congratulate the Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, and her staff on their excellent work in meeting new challenges and planning for the future.

The international community was shocked by the devastating disasters in China and Myanmar. We extend our sympathy to the people of the countries who have suffered enormously from these catastrophes.

We have observed with interest the work of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. With that initiative the World Health Organisation has undoubtedly driven the attention of Member States and global health partners towards the social determinants of health. The Commission identifies some of the key causes of poor health and inequalities between and within countries. Most importantly, it urges Member States to address the main factors leading to ill health and inequities, one of these determinants being the lack of access to health care systems in many parts of the world.

The Declaration of Alma-Ata in 1978 was a milestone in the history of the World Health Organization. In that declaration primary health care was defined as the basis for the healthcare delivery around the world. Therefore, it is appropriate now 30 years later that the World Health Report 2008 is devoted to one of the priority areas of the World Health Organization, the strengthening of primary health care.

Mr. President

Climate change has repercussions across all sectors and for all countries.  However, it is the poorest that are worst hit – those who bear the least responsibility for climate change. The potential impact of health, both immediate and on capacity is of particular concern. Iceland therefore welcomed this year’s theme on the World Health Day: “Protecting Health from Climate Change”. We support the view of Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan, that the international community should give the health and welfare of people priority in its reactions to climate change.

Mr. President

Iceland is a committed development partner, following the Nordic tradition of active engagement in development cooperation and firm commitment to internationally agreed declarations and principles within the UN framework, based on respect for international law, human rights and humanitarian law. Iceland’s development policy rests on the Millennium Development Goals with a strong focus on sustainable use of natural resources, gender equality and women’s empowerment. In line with the MDGs, Iceland has and will be gradually increasing its share in various programmes in the health sector.

Iceland is now a candidate for a seat on the Security Council for the period of 2009-2010 for the first time since its membership of the UN in 1946. Our candidacy enjoys the full and active support of all the Nordic countries. Iceland is particularly aware of new security issues including those related to health, where security and conflict resolution have major implications.

Mr. President, finally I would like to conclude my address by assuring you, once again, of the commitment of the Government of Iceland in contributing to constructive efforts to fulfill the noble mission of the WHO in improving health throughout the world.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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