Ministerial Meeting on Health and the Environment
Boy in smoke
There has been some progress. But too many countries — particularly the poorest — are falling behind. Where health lags, other areas fall short as well: education, gender equality, poverty reduction and protection of the environment. In short, the Millennium vision — to build a fairer world — will fail unless we do more, and do it quickly, to improve the health and the environments of poor people.
I know that I am talking here to an audience that needs little convincing. The leadership shown by the Minister of Health and the Environment, our host in Argentina, has been exemplary. In spite of a devastating financial crisis, Argentina has achieved a reduction of 12% in child mortality in 2004. But there are others who still do not realize the urgency of our cause.
