Key messages for World Health Day 2007

Globally coherent messages will have the greatest impact. So whatever form of event you are planning to host on World Health Day 2007, please orient your activities around the following key messages.

Threats to health know no borders.

In a globalized world, emerging epidemics cross national borders and threaten our collective security. Threats to health and security are multiplying and moving faster than ever before.

Invest in health, build a safer future.

Every country must invest in health and build its capacity to prevent new and existing threats by strengthening public health systems. Only then can we build a safer future. Implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) from June 2007 will help to build and strengthen effective mechanisms for outbreak alert and response at national and international levels.

Health leads to security; insecurity leads to poor health.

HIV/AIDS is a powerful example of how interdependent health and security have become. HIV/AIDS threatens the stability of entire nations and regions. Unlike many other diseases, AIDS affects the most productive members of society. Protecting the health of people and the security of all those affected requires political commitment at the highest level and close collaboration between governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector.

Preparedness and quick response improve international health security.

Threats to health security are many and varied: they include sudden shocks to health and economies from emerging diseases, like SARS and avian influenza, humanitarian emergencies, bioterrorism and other acute health risks. Tackling the health effects of these threats involves working collectively to improve preparedness and to respond effectively when they occur. The shortage of safe drinking water and its impact on health and security after hurricane Katrina, and the tsunami in Asia, clearly demonstrate the importance of advance preparation and the ability to respond quickly.

The World Health Organization is making the world more secure.

The security of all countries depends on the capacity of each to act effectively against health threats. WHO's response to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian flu clearly demonstrated the power of coordination and the importance of international health security. International collaboration among developed and developing countries, and increased focus on information-sharing and the strengthening of public health systems and surveillance, are key to containing outbreaks of infectious diseases. The threats remain; we must continue to invest and build. WHO’s leadership is essential.

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