WHO Director-General election: an agenda for the future.

摘要

We live in an increasingly globalised world where the effects of natural disasters, environmental problems, and epidemics affect increasing numbers of people. These "new" threats call for both national and international intervention and cooperation, while "old" challenges, notably health inequalities and deficient access to health services, also need to be effectively dealt with. Many of these threats and challenges derive from unbalanced growth resulting in an unacceptable standard of living for millions of people.To meet these challenges, WHO has to be both a driving force and a key reference on health issues. The future role of the organisation should, indeed, be based on work done. The fight against malaria and tuberculosis and the continuing battle against AIDS, which are exemplary in many aspects, should be continued. Successes such as those achieved on poliomyelitis or the ability of the international community to react promptly to new epidemics show the potential of collaboration on international health matters. Recent initiatives suchas the Commission on Social Determinants of Health1 deserve continued support because of their invaluable contribution to the design of effective policies to face existing and new public-health challenges.