Address by
the Honorable Tommy Thompson
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

World Health Assembly
May 14, 2002
Geneva, Switzerland

(As Delivered)

Mr. President, Madam Director-General and distinguished delegates:

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 W.H.O.

The ties we create at the World Health Assembly bind countries together - common bonds that safeguard public health, prevent and combat disease, improve the health and well-being of all people and promote peace. 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 insidious 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. 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 vaccines 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 W.H.O. 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 our expertise to improve the lives of all citizens. The global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and last week's U.N. Special Session on Children all exemplify our collective efforts to find new ways to work together as partners

Yet we continue to face serious public health challenges. Ours, delegates, is a daunting task, energized by an awareness of our shared humanity. All nations have a stake as partners in this 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.

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 how do we do preventive health care better.

It is time to change the funding priorities in our health care system to invest in prevention earlier in life, allowing people to lead healthier lives and which will of course free up resources to meet other health needs.

And we are working with public and private partners 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 no matter what country you live in.

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 so very 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 come to the conclusion that for prevention campaigns to work, we must promote individual decision-making and ownership of healthy choices.

In the same way, over the past year, I have been gratified by many of you, who have reached out to me in friendship to help me better understand the concerns important to you and to all of us.

Getting to know a number of you personally, my colleagues, and gaining an understanding or your work and the challenges you face, has reinforced my personal commitment to working with you to find shared solutions. Permit me to mention a few ways in which the Bush administration 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 personally 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, yes, build capacity to address the global pandemic.

· I would also like to recognize the 100th anniversary of the the Pan American Health Organization. All our neighbors in the Americas region and people around the world appreciate he pan American health organization and its continuing work to help us establish our health priorities. Let me also thank Sir George Allyene for his leadership of PAHO, which has produced a higher quality of life for millions.

· But we will not forget the many other critical public health needs. Through the agencies in my department that are leading the world in their fields, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, all in the Department of Health and Human Services, we are continuing to focus on the full range of public health issues from cancer research to prenatal care that affect our citizens and men, women and children throughout the world.

I compliment everyone here at WHO on their hard work and leadership. This has been a banner year for the organization.

Dr. Brundtland, the United States thank you for 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 and delegations at this assembly to achieve the goals you have set for us.

The United States is absolutely committed to remaining active in the many spheres of international health whose implications for current and future demands affect everyone in some way. We are your partners. Our resources, expertise and our knowledge must be drawn together in common purpose if we are to better achieve our ongoing vision of a healthier world for all.