WHO urges governments to prevent a decline in investment in healthcare
The economic crisis is increasingly affecting healthThis was stated by WHO Director General Dr. Margaret Chan.
According to her, the crisis broke out during the implementation of the most ambitious initiative in history to reduce poverty and more evenly and equitably distribute the benefits of our modern society in the world, including health-related benefits - the initiative to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
In the face of a global economic downturn, financial strain in rich countries could lead to a reduction in official development assistance. And even worse are the prospects for reducing spending on social needs, such as health, education and social protection - many countries, especially low-income countries, may be forced to take this measure.
According to the head of the WHO, today it is extremely important to learn from past mistakes and contrast this period of economic downturn with the expansion of investments in healthcare and the social sector. There are a number of good reasons to support such a line of action, the WHO press service reports.
In her statement, Dr. Chen noted:
First, the protection of the poor. Rising food and fuel prices, along with job insecurity, are among the factors that increase inequality during an economic downturn. In this context, ruinous health care costs are likely to increase significantly, because of which, in the "best" times, more than 100 million people annually slipped into poverty. The most vulnerable inevitably become those who suffer the most: the poor, the socially isolated, children, women, the disabled, the elderly and people with chronic diseases. Stronger safety nets are urgently needed to protect the most vulnerable in rich and poor countries.
Secondly, stimulating economic recovery. Investments in social sectors are investments in human capital. Healthy human capital is the basis of economic productivity and can accelerate the process of restoring economic sustainability.
Thirdly, the promotion of social stability. Equitable distribution of health services is one of the most important factors contributing to social cohesion. Social cohesion is the best protection against social unrest at the national and international level. A healthy, productive and stable population is always a valuable contribution, especially during a crisis.
Fourth, increased efficiency. Pre-payment based on pooling resources is the most effective way to finance healthcare costs. Spending out of their own funds at the service delivery sites is the least efficient and the most ruinous, which causes millions of people to fall below the poverty line every year. A commitment to universal coverage not only helps to protect the poor, but is also the most affordable and efficient way to use limited resources.
Fifth, ensuring security. A world largely out of balance is neither stable nor secure. Robust health systems are needed to maintain surveillance and response capabilities in the face of pandemic threats. Insufficient investment in health systems in sub-Saharan Africa in the 1980s led to the fact that in the following decade they were tragically unprepared for the HIV pandemic/AIDS.
We must not repeat the mistakes of the past. We cannot afford to squander our investments during this crisis, to abandon our initiative to ensure greater balance in this world, which, as I firmly believe, is an indicator of a civilized society. In the current financial and economic crisis, I call on all Governments and political leaders to continue their efforts to strengthen and improve the performance of their health systems, to protect the health of people in the world and, especially, the most vulnerable of them.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://www.vechnayamolodost.ru19.11.2008