Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The 58th Meeting of the World Health Organisation opens today in Geneva. From May 16-25 representatives of the 192 WHO member countries will discuss how to improve and guarantee health on the planet.
The main topics for discussion are the treatment and prevention of cancer, TB, malaria, danger of new flu pandemic and vaccinations to which special attention will be given this year. The participants will also examine progress made towards the eradication of polio, assistance and therapy for HIV/AIDS patients and the promotion of healthy life-styles.
WHO also hopes to adopt a revised version of the International Health Regulations with improved monitoring systems, quarantine measures and general health information for more rapid identification of virus to prevent spreading across borders as with SARS in 2003 which killed 800 people, and Ebola and bird flu.
With regard to malaria, African countries will ask WHO to boost means to fight this disease which kills more than one million people every year, 89% in Africa. (AP) (16/5/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:21; Parole:203)
