"The world is at a critical crossroads. We can either continue on the road to ruin by unchecked exploitation of the environment, or we can choose a new path that recognizes that human health and planetary health are two sides of the same coin."
The quote emphasizes that humanity is at a pivotal juncture in our relationship with the environment. If we continue down the current path, characterized by unrestrained resource exploitation, we risk causing irreversible damage to the planet, leading to a state of ruin. Alternatively, if we choose a different path, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness between human health and the health of our planet, we can foster a sustainable future where both thrive. In essence, the quote underscores the importance of environmental stewardship as an essential component of ensuring human well-being in the long term.
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
This quote emphasizes that health encompasses more than just the absence of illness or injury; it extends to a holistic sense of well-being, including physical, mental, and social dimensions. It suggests that true health is achieved when an individual is not only free from disease but also experiences overall wellness, psychological stability, and fulfilling relationships with others.
"Global health is not only about curing the sick but also about preventing the sickness."
This quote emphasizes a proactive, preventative approach to global health care. It suggests that the focus should be not just on treating existing illnesses, but also on understanding their causes and finding ways to mitigate or eliminate them in order to maintain overall public health and well-being. In essence, it's about promoting healthier lifestyles and communities to reduce the likelihood of sickness rather than solely relying on treatment after someone becomes ill.
"We can't afford to let short-term political or economic considerations stand in the way of doing what is right for our children and our world."
This quote underscores the importance of prioritizing long-term, ethical decision making over immediate gains in politics or economics. It emphasizes that we, as a society, have a responsibility to consider the future welfare of our children and planet when making decisions, rather than being swayed by short-term interests. In essence, it calls for farsightedness and moral integrity in leadership, reminding us that the health and wellbeing of generations to come should be paramount in our decision-making process.
"The world needs a one-health approach that recognizes the links between human, animal, and ecosystem health."
This quote highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings and their environments. It suggests that the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems are not isolated issues but are intrinsically linked. The "one-health" approach advocated by Margaret Chan encourages us to consider these connections when addressing global health challenges. By understanding and managing these links effectively, we can create a more balanced and sustainable world for all living organisms.
Many diseases including malaria, dengue, meningitis - just a few examples - these are what we call climate-sensitive diseases, because such climate dimensions for rainfall, humidity and temperature would influence the epidemics, the outbreaks, either directly influencing the parasites or the mosquitoes that carry them.
- Margaret Chan
Doctors and nurses, with their training and their experiences, they would be able to detect unusual patterns of disease. That's why we say it is important for every country to have a proper surveillance system. The function of the surveillance system is to detect unusual patterns of diseases.
- Margaret Chan
Some experts say we are moving back to the pre-antibiotic era. No. This will be a post-antibiotic era. In terms of new replacement antibiotics, the pipeline is virtually dry. A post-antibiotic era means, in effect, an end to modern medicine as we know it. Things as common as strep throat or a child's scratched knee could once again kill.
- Margaret Chan
All experts on WHO advisory groups for developing norms, standards and guidelines are required to disclose interests regarding the advisory committee's area of work. If a declared interest is potentially significant, then the expert is either excluded from the meeting or given a restricted role.
- Margaret Chan
WHO has a country office in nearly every developing country, usually located close to the Ministry of Health. Staff in these offices need to do much more to help ministries of health strengthen their national health plans and strategies and then negotiate with development partners to support these priorities and follow these plans.
- Margaret Chan
A health system that lacks commodities for managing high-mortality infectious diseases and the main killers of mothers and young children will not have an adequate impact. By the same token, even the best-stocked delivery system will have an inadequate impact if it fails to reach the poor.
- Margaret Chan
I want us to be judged by the impact we have on the health of the people of Africa and the health of women. Improvements in the health of the people of Africa and the health of women are key indicators of the performance of WHO. This is a health organization for the whole world... But we must focus our attention on the people in greatest need.
- Margaret Chan
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