Statement by Mr. Bjarne Håkon Hanssen

President,
Director General,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are currently facing a number of serious global health challenges. It is quite a combination; a potential influenza pandemic, an economic crisis and dramatic climate changes. And all these threats affect our health.
 
The outbreak of influenza A has posed a serious challenge. The WHO has responded very decisively. It has not only swiftly classified the severity of the outbreak, but also provided wise advice on appropriate responses.

Although we do not know how severe the influenza will be, the world has never been better prepared for a pandemic influenza. Let me commend the WHO and Dr Chan for the excellent leadership in this difficult situation. We must use this opportunity to further strengthen our preparedness and response plans.

President,

We are in the midst of a massive global economic crisis. To me – the economic crisis and the vulnerability it throws many people into – underline the importance of public and universal health and welfare systems.

As was emphasised in the recent WHO conference in Oslo on the economic crisis, investment in health improves wealth. Good health means wealth. And we know that primary health care contributes to economic development. It is the basic building block of health systems. In times of economic crisis we must continue to prioritize health and protect spending on health. And especially, to provide quality health services also for the most vulnerable. 

The WHO must be in the forefront. The WHO must lead the way in protecting and securing investments in health. We need more, not less, money for health. Norway would therefore support an even more ambitious WHO, also in budgetary terms.

In my view the crisis may increase social inequalities in health. These inequalities are results of the way we distribute resources. And they are unfair. I believe that social inequalities can only be tackled if our policies are built on universal welfare – supplemented by targeted policies. In this regard, I highly welcome the resolution on social determinants of health. Let us then create the global action movement that the Marmot Commission calls for.

If we shall succeed, Health Ministers and WHO need broad support from other sectors. Norway is part of the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative, where seven Foreign Ministers from different regions have decided to work together to make foreign policy and diplomacy more responsive to public health. Now this item is also placed on the agenda og the UN General Assembly.

President,

The Millennium Development goals must be fulfilled. In times of crisis, we need to remember that the poor, especially women and children, are the most vulnerable. And the most affected. A necessity for achieving the MDGs is a gender sensitive policy with a focus on women’s rights.

As all countries will need more health personnel, developed countries have a moral obligation, not to empty developing countries for their scarce health workforce.

President,

We are living through a time of great change; a time of demographic change; a time with aging populations. The burden of disease is changing. The number of patients with chronic diseases is rapidly increasing. I strongly believe that in order to meet the health needs of our populations we will need to adjust to these changes. In particular, a central task for the WHO in the years to come will be to guide its Member States to develop effective tools and measures to reduce diseases caused by life style. Only then can we achieve our goal of a healthier population.

Thank you for your attention.