Minutes of the first meeting, WHO Conference Hall, Friday, 26 September 1958 at 9:00 a.m.

1. 2. ,. 4. 6. 8. (WPjRC9/M1n)l Rev.l - 6 October 1958 MINtJI'ES OF THE FIRm MEEnNG WHO Conference Ha.ll Friday, 26 September 1958 at 9.00 a.m. CHAIRMAN: Dr. H.E. DOWNES CONrENTS OJ?ening cereDlOnies ••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Opening of the ninth session of the RegiOnal. Committee •••••••• Election of officers • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Adoption of the provisional and supplementary agenda •••••••••• TeChnical Discussions ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Establishment of the Sub-Committee on Programme and Budget Acknowled8ement by the Chairman of brief reports received from governments on the progress of their health activities •••• ••• Address by incoming Chairman •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• other business .••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••••••• 4 6 8 8 8 9 9 9 11 WP/RC9/Min/1 Rev.l - 2 - First Meeting Friday, 26 September 1958 at 9.00 a.m. PRESENT I. Re~resentatives of Member states AUSTRALIA Dr. H.E. Downes CAMBODIA Dr. Thor Peng Thong Dr. Keo Phann CHINA (TAIWAN) Dr. C.K. Chang Dr. C.H. Yen Dr. Y.T. Kuo FEDERATION OF MAIAYA Dr. Tan Hor Kee JAPAN Dr. Ryu Ozawa. Mr. Akira Sai ta Mr. Hiromu Fukada KOREA Dr. Eung 500 Han LAOS Dr. Oudom Souvannavong Dr. Phouy Sunthor NETHERIANL'S Dr. D. Metselaar NEW ZEAlAND Dr. H.B. Turbott PHILIPPINES Dr. Jesus Azurin Dr. Antonio Ejercito Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez PORTUGAL Dr. J. Paiva. Martins UNITED KINGDOM Dr. P .W. Dill-Russell Dr. D.M. Cameron Dr. R. Dickie Dr. D.J.M. Mackenzie UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dr. Richard K.C. Lee Dr. Robert L. Cherry VIET NAM Dr. Le-Van-Khai Dr. Nguyen-Van-Hon - 3 - WP/RC9/Min/l Rev.ll II. Representatives of the United Nations and Specialized Agencies UNITED NATIONS UNrTED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND UNITED NATIONS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE BOARD Mr. Richard de Roussy de Sales Mr. Paul B. Edwards Mr. C. Hart Schaaf III. Representatives of other inter-governmental organizations and of non-governmental organizations INTERNATIONAL ASS0CIATION FOR PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS Dr. Carlos V. Yambao INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF MILITARY MEDICINE AND PHARMACY Colonel H.L. Solidum INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF NURSES Mrs. Luisa A • Alvarez INTERNATIONAL DENTAL Dr. Dominador Santos FEDERATION Dr. F. Vila INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION 01;' GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS Dr. Gloria T. Yambao INTERNATIONAL LEPROSY ASSOCIATION Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez INTERNATIONAL PAEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION Dr. Fe del Mundo INTERNATIONAL SOCmTY FOR Dr. Deogracias J. Tablan THE WELFARE OF CRIPPIES Dr. Jose Santillan INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR HEALTH EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC Miss Carmen del Rosario LEAGUE OF RED CROSS SOCIETIES Dr. Tran~uilino Elicano Dr. T. calasanz SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION Dr. Thos.C. Lonie WORLD FEDERATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim WORLD VETERANS FEDERATION Dr. Abelardo M. Inocentes WP /RC9 /Min/l Rev.l - 4 - 1. OPENING CEREIDNIES The ninth session of the Regiona1 Committee for the Western Pacific was formally opened at the new Conference Hall by His Excellency the President of· the Philippines. His Excellency the Vice-President, representatives of th~ Diplomatic Corps, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Health, the National Science Development Board, the National Economic Council, Presi- dents and Deans of medical schools in ManilA were also in attendance. Dr. I.C. FANG thanked the President and the Member Governments of the Region for their generous contributions without which the building could not have been erected. He stated that the building represented the co-operative efforts of many persons, many professions and many different countries. It was a symbol not only of the co-operation and support given to WHO by govern- ments in the Western Pacific Region but tangible evidence of the trust and confidence that the new accommodation would be effectively used to promote better health conditions for the peoples in the Region. Dr. FANG assured the representatives of Member States that he and his staff would carry' out faith- fully and to the best of their ability the duties entrusted to them. (For full text see Annex 1.) Dr. FANG then invited Dr. Elpidio Valencia, the Secretary of' Health, to address the meeting. Address by the Secretary of Health of the Ph~lippines Dr. VALENCIA stated that the formal opening of the new regiona1 headquarters was a proud moment for the Filipino nation and he wished to express its gratitude for this manifestation of humanitarianism. He referred to the recent World Health Day during which assistance provided by the World Health Organization - 5 - wp/'RC9/Mln/l Rev.l to healtll activities in the Philippines had been reviewed. The last ten years had seen progress, development and expansion of medical activities as a result of th stimulation provided by the Organization. The new building was not only positive proof of the recognition by the Government of the Philippines of the efficacy of the World Health Organization as an indispensable catalyst for health, but a symbol of the determination of the Member Governments to provide for their people a healthy way of lite. (For full text see Annex 2.) Address by the Assistant Director-General, Department of Advisory Services I WHO Dr. P.M. KAUL, Assistant Director-General, Department ot Advisory Services, expressed, on behalf of the Director-General, the deep felt gratitude of the World Health Organization tor the most generous way the Government ot the Philippines had responded to the needs of the Regional Office. The leading interest the Philippines had taken in the health conditions of the Region went back to the early days of the Organization. He also expressed to each and all ot the Member Countries in the Region the gratitude of the Organization for their inspiring material support and moral encouragement. In the name of the Dir ctor-General he entrusted Dr. Fang with the custody of the new building. Dr. KAUL also paid tribute to the many technical experts from the Philippines whom the Government, in spite of its own needs, had made available to WHO. (For full text see Annex ,.) Address bYBls Excellency the President of the Philippines His Excellency the President of the Philippines then formally opened the new regional 11ea.dquarters. In his speech His Excellency stated that the World Health Organization, more than any other body or alliance, had proved itself to be an eff ctive instrument for promoting the caus of world peace. WP/RCQ/Mln/l Rev.l - 6 - He was gratified to note that ten years of close collaboration with medical progress, as exemplified by the World Health Organization's signal leadership, had produced a salutary effect on the lives and the health of the people. The achievements in the field of health that his country had made were due not only to the vigour of the Filipino people and its Government but also to the World Health Organization whose role could not be underestimated as in~ny countries it had ignited the spark that had led to the development of national health planning and action. In the Western Pacific Region the Philippines was strongly committed in its adherence to the Organization. The building which was now formally opened was a modest contribution to the cause of the health of the peoples withiuthe Region and it was gratifying to know that many other countries within the Region had also given individual contributions. (For:t'ull text see Annex 4.) Following the address of His Excellency the President, the Committee adjourned for a short intermission. 2. OPENING OF THE NINTH SESS ION OF THE REGIONAL COMMI'I"I'EE In the absence of Dr. G. Graham-Cumming, retiring Chairman, and Dr. Leroy Burney, retiring Vice-Chairman, the speech of the retiring Chairman was read by the Secretary. Dr. Graham-Cumming expressed his regret at being unable to attend but stated that Hong Kong was more than adequately represented in the person of the Director of Health Services, Dr. D.J.M. Mackenzie. He officially welcomed the representative of the Federation of Malaya and stated that it gave him particular pride and satisfaction to welcome this young Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations which was now so ably exercising its rights and shouldering the full responsibilities of that status. - 7 - wp/RC9/M1n/l Rev.l This year marked the tenth anniversary of the formation of the World Health Organization and it was fitting to look afresh at the fundamental objective underlying the organization of this particular health agency, the purpose for which it exists and 'the cause which it is intended to serve. Only by so doing would it be possible to assess the degree of success achieved or detect how far we had fallen short of the goal set. Dr. Graham-Cumming reminded th Committee that the objective of the World Health Organization is to combine and collate the sum total of all human knowledge and resources in relation to health and to share out these combined resources to all mankind according to need. What had been achieved in ten years was astounding. There was no State that had nothing to contribute to this effort to benefit the entire human race. Some States were better placed than others as regards organized medical services, material wealth or wealth of experience and facilities. Naturally having more they were expected to contribute more. ThiS, however, did not mean that they were not still equal partners with but the same voice in the Organization as the smallest and humblest struggling State in need of the greatest help. In th interchange of knowledge, experience and dedicated service that goes on in WHO all were givers and all recipients if in varying degree. WHO is a truly democratic organization in which all Members have an equal VOice, equal rights and r sponsibilities and it could operate only by the willing consent and co-operation of its Members. Dr. Graham-Cumming stated that assistance must be given in such a way as to stimulate and encourage self -effort, thus contri- buting to self-respect. Whatever aid was offered, the Organization always xpected the recipient to make some reciprocal effort at least equal in potential health value to the assistance given, if at all possible. The World Health Organization was designed to accomplish a stupendous proJ ct and the degree of success it could achieve depended on the unit d efforts of all. (For full text see Annex 5.) - 8 - WP jRc9 /Min/l Rev.l 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Dr. J.N. ROIEIGUEZ (Philippines) nominated Dr. H.E. Downes (Austral.ia) as Chairman; this was seconded by Dr. IE-VAN-KHAI (Viet Nam) and Dr. EUNG SOO HAN (Korea.). Dr. Downes was decJ..a.red elected. Dr. C.K. CHANG (China) nominated Dr. Ryu Ozawa. (Japan) as Vice-Chairman; this was seconded by Dr. R.K.C. lEE (United States of America). Dr. Ozawa was declared elected. Dr. P.W. DILL-RUSSELL (United Kingdom) nominated Dr. Tan Hor Kee (Federation of Malaya) as Rapporteur for the English language; this was seconded by Dr. LEE and unanimously approved. Dr. J. PAIVA MART:rn5 (Portugal) nominated Dr. Thor Peng Thong (Cambodia) as Rapporteur for the French language; this was seconded by Dr. OUDOM SOUVANNAVONG (Laos) and unanimously approved. 4. ADOPl'ION OF THE PROVISIONAL AND SUPPIEMENTARY AGENM: Item 5 of the Agenda (Documents wp/RC9/l and WPjRc9/l Add.l) Dr. R.K.C. lEE (United States of America) moved the adoption of the provisional and supplementary agenda. This was unaniI:lously llGI'eed. 5. TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS Dr. D. METSEIAAR (Netherlands) was designated Chairman of the Technical Discussions. It was agreed that he should address the meeting on Saturday morning, when details of the arrangements made would be communicated to the Committee. - 9 - 6. ETABLISHMENT OF THE SUB-COMMnil'EE ON PROGRAMME AND BUInET In accorc1ance with the principle ot rotation, it was agreed that the membership should be composed of representatives from Australia, France, K'Dre&, Lao., the Netherlands, Portugal and the t1n1ted States of America. It was also agreed that the Sub-Committee would meet at 2.30 p.m. and that .. it necessary, the discussions would continue the follOWing afternoon. 7. ACKNOWIEIXm£N'l' BY THE CHAIRMAN or BRIEF REPORTS RECEIVED mOM GOVERlIlClfl'S ON THE PROGR1!SS OF THEm BEA1IrH ACTIVl!r:Il'!B The CHAJlU.fJf stated that progress reports on health activities had been received from the follow1ug countries: cambodia, China (Taiwan) .. Federation of Hslaya, Fiji, French Po~sia, Hong K'DllS, Japan, Macau, Netherlands New Gu1:aea, Rew Caledonia and Dependencies, North Borneo.. Philippines, Singapore .. ToDga 8,J1d Viet Ham. He sumuarized briefly the h1ghl1ghts in each report .. exce~ that ot Japan which. was received o~ betore the meeting opened. 8. ADImlSS BY INCOMIlfG CHAIRMUf Dr. HoE. :DC:Me (incoming Chairman) stated that as the first plenary •• ,sion had been concluded so rapid.l¥ he wished to reverse his decision to Present a prepared speech and would iustead take the opportunity to speak lnformaJ.ly to the Committee. It was With pleasure that he found h1maelt once ap1n in the Hl1l1pp1Des and it was aJ.so a great privilege to be the first Chairman in the DeW building. He was gratified that since Dr. Candau could not come he had sent Dr. Kaul, Assi.tant Dtrector-General, to represent him and he hoped that he would profit from attendance at th meeting. Dr. 00W'Nl!S joined the outgoing Chairman in welcom1ne to th CODD1ttee a new lMmb r of WHO in th person of Dr. Tan from the Federation of M!LlAya. wp/RC9/Min/l Rev.l - 10 - He wished to talk about a matter wich he had already discussed With some representatives and that was national health budgetting and cOIllllunicable ,<U,sease. Prior to leaving Australia he had obt8.ined information on the amount of money" . expended on heaJ.th se'rvices, and :this he had converted into dollars. Calculation showed that in 1958/1959, $14 per head wele being spent on health. Further analysis of this figure revealed that 40 cents were being expended on administration, 30 cents to aid the states of every 90 cents clq)i tal spent on mental institutions, 84 cents on medical services for aged pensioners and one dollar and 30 cents for· broad . , . activities, the non-specialist activities of the Department. In Australia as elsewhere, the cost of medical services was increasing. Health and hospital insurance had been stimulated and provided the hospital or medical insurance organiz&- tion was a non-profit organization, the Government matched 'What those organizations pa.:1dfor the total cost for which the people had insured. OVer one-half of the people of Australia paid premiums of about 30 cents a week for- medical benefits and those who paid.had a third of their medical fees paid by the insurance organization, a third paid by the Commonwealth Government and a third paid right out of their own pockets. M:>re than three quarters of the people of Australia were covered for hospital benefits. The Commonwealth contribution to medical benefits was 1.85 dollars per person a year, the amount for hospital benefits 3.2 dollars per capita per year. Of the remaining expenditures there were three wich he wished to bring to the notice of the Members of WHO. The first was the amount expended on tuberculosis control. Australia was never in the forefront of tuberculosis sufferers in the world, however, ten years ago action was taken and an enormous amount of money had been spent on tuberculosis control because it was a chain reaction and the Government wanted to eliminate it in a generation or two. Hospitals just completed were now showing empty beds and although this year $J.. 65 was still being spent on tuberculosis, it was paying off. The states were subsidized for the whole of - 11 .. WP/RC9/Min/l Rev.l the capital expenditure on tubercuJ.osis control and every increase on a base year 1947 was paid by the Commonwealth Department. With the use of triple vaccine, the incidence of ordinary infectious diseases had dropped enormously although the cause of infectious hepatitis was at the moment causing anxiety. Sixty cents per capita wa.-e spent on the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories "WbiOh made vaccines to prevent disease. Polio vaccine had been produced and th vac- cination of 95~ or more of the children under 14 had been completed. The serum laboratory also produced penicillin V, anti-cholera vaccine, small- pox vaccine and there were sixty people working in the laboratory making the new Asian flu vaccine Which, as it was produced on eggs, was costly. Dr. DOWNES referred to the resolution and discussions of the World Health Assembly on smallpox and stated that vaccination was the least costly of all the preventive measures against communicable diseases. In concluding he recalled the axiom that prevention was better than cure and cheaper. (For full text see Annex 6) 9. orHER BUSINESS Mr. A. SAITA (Japan) remarked that item 15.1 of the agenda - "Review of salaries, allowances and benefits' - was very complicated and asked if the Regional Director would supply the Committee with additional. background information on this subject, either in the form of a document or an oral statement when this item came up for discussion. Dr. R.K.C. LEE (United States of America) commended the Chairman for his clear presentation of the excellent programme that was being provided by the Government for the people of Australia and the contributions it was making to the medical and health' services of the country. He expressed admiration of the Chairman I s knowledge of the government programme, particularly in relation to the national budget. WP jRC9/Min/l Rev.l - 12 - Dr. lEE stated that the tribute paid to health by the President of the Philippines at the opening ceremony was of great significance to the Committee and expressed to the Philippine delegation and to the Secretariat the sincere appreciation of his delegation and of the Committee as a whole for having invited the President to the ceremony • . Dr. IEE referred to the membership of the Sub-Committee on Programme and Budget and wondered whether representatives of the other Member Countries were welcome to the meeting. Dr. IE-VAN-IGAI (Viet Nam) agreed with the views expressed by the representative of Japan that item 15.1 - "Review of salaries" allownces and benefits" - was highly technical and financial in nature and that supplementary" information should be furnished to the Committee by the Regional Director. He suggested that a sub-committee stUdy this particular item and submit its proposals for discussion and approval at a plenary meeting. The CHAffiw.N referred to the proposals made by the representatives of Japan and Viet Nam and said that the Secretariat would be requested to provide the additional information asked for. He hoped that when item 15.1 came up for discussion, the representative of Viet Nam would decide as to whether or not he still wished to have a sub-committee set up to study the problem. The CHA~ then thanked the representative of the United States for his kind words and replying to the latter's query he said that although only half of th Committee membership formed the Sub-Committee on Programme and Budget all the other members were welcome to the meeting. Dr. KHAI explained that his delegation did not wish to have a new sub- committee s t up for the purpose of studying item 15.1 but suggest d that th Sub-Committee on Programme and Budget might also undertake this study 1 since it we also a financial matter. - 13 - WP /RC9 /Min/l Rev. 1 Dr. TAN HOR KEE (Federation of Malaya) expressed his thanks for the warm welcome accorded to his country as a new member of WHO in the Western Pacific. In previous years, the representative of the Federation of Malaya had attended meetings of the Regional Committee as a member of the United Kingdom delegation. This year, however, his country was a full-fledged Member. The Committee was probably aware that Malaya had achieved its independence on 31 August 1957 and this year had marked its first Merdeka anniversary. As a young nation, the country needed the help of the Organization and its Member States and was grate- ful for whatever assistance it had received in the past and would continue to receive. Dr. TAN assured the Committee of his country's full support and fulfill- ment of the obligations required of it as a member of the Organization. The meeting adjourned at 11.10 a.m. WP jRc9/Min/l Rev. 1 - 14 - OPENING RiMt\RI(S OF IE. I. C. FANG, RIDIONAL DIRECTOR WORLD HEAIJrH ORGANIZATION ANNEX 1 Mr. President, Mr. Vice-President, Excellencies, Honourable Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is with very great pleasure that I welcome you here today at the official opening of the Conference Hall of our new regional headquarters. I wish to express the sincere thanks both of myself and my staff to you, Mr. President, and to the Member Governments of the World Health Organization, in particular those Member Governments of the Region without whose generous contributions this building could not have been erected. Mr. President, during the years of our negotiations with your Government and in the implementation of this building project, we have always received the utmost consideration, sincere co-operation and assistance from all the depart- ments concerned in one way or another under your administration. I wish to thank, in particular, ex-Secretary Garcia and Secretary Serrano and their staff. I also wish to express my appreciation to our architect, Mr. Alfredo Luz, who designed and supervised the erection of this building, to his brother, Mr. Arturo Luz, who has donated the murals in the Conference Hall, to the finn of John Gotamco and Sons for having donated the wood and brass metal cut-out of the WHO seal, to our contractor, Mr. Benjamin Gotamco, and to their fellow workers -- engineers, craftsmen and labourers -- who have worked so hard to complete this conference hall in time for the ninth session of our Regional COmmittee, also to our Legal Advisers, Mr. Sycip and Mr. Salazar, for their valuable guidance and counsel. This building project is not the work of any one particular person -- it represents the co-operative efforts of many persons, many professions and many different countries. This is how it should be and we are glad that it has been so. It is not only a symbol of the co-operation and support given to the World Health Organization by governments in the Western Pacific Region,but tangible evidence of the trust and confidence that the new facilities and accommodation will b effectively used in our effort to promote better health conditions for the peoples of this region. I also wish to assure the representatives of Member States who a.re present this morning that I and my staff will faithfully and to the very best of our ability carry out the duties you have entrusted to us in the Western Pacific. - 13 - wp/Rc9/Min/l Rev.l Dr. TAN HOR KEE (Federation of Malaya) expressed his thanks for the warm welcome accorded to his country as a new member of WHO in the Western Pacific. In previous years, the representative of the Federation of Malaya had attended meetings of the Regional Committee as a member of the United Kingdom delegation. This year, however, his country was a full-fledged Member. The Committee was probably aware that Malaya had achieved its independence on 31 August 1957 and this year had marked its first Merdeka anniversary. As a young nation, the country needed the help of the Organization and its Member states and was grate- ful for whatever assistance it had received in the past and would continue to receive. Dr. TAN assured the Committee of his country's full support and fulfill- ment of the obligations re~uired of it as a member of the Organization. The meeting adjourned at 11.10 a.m. WP /RC9/M1n/l Rev. 1 - 14 - OPENING REMARKS OF m. I. C. FANG, RIDIONAL DIRECTOR WORLD HEAIlrH ORGANIZATION ANNEX 1 Mr. President, Mr. Vice-President, Excellencies, Honourable Representatives, IAdies and Gentlemen, It 1s with very great pleasure that I welcome you here today at the official opening of the Conference Hall of our new regional headquarters. I wish to express the sincere thanks both of myself and my staff to you, Mr. President, and to the Member Governments of the World Health Organization, in particular those Member Governments of the Region without whose generous contributions this building could not have been erected. Mr. President, during the years of our negotiations with your Government and in the implementation of this building project, we have always received the utmost consideration, sincere co-operation and assistance from all the depart- ments concerned in one way or another under your administration. I wish to thank, in particular, ex-Secretary Garcia and Secretary Serrano and their staff. I also wish to express my appreciation to our architect, Mr. Alfredo Luz, who designed and supervised the erection of this building, to his brother, Mr. Arturo Luz, who has donated the murals in the Conference Hall, to the fizm of John Gotamco and Sons for having donated the wood and brass metal cut-out of the WHO seal, to our contractor, Mr. Benjamin Gotamco, and to their fellow workers -- engineers, craftsmen and labourers -- who have worked so hard to complete this conference hall in time for the ninth session of our Regional Committee, also to our Legal Advisers, Mr. Sycip and Mr. Salazar, for their valuable guidance and counsel. This building project is not the work of any one particular person -- it represents the co-operative efforts of many persons, many profeSSions and many different countries. This is how it should be and we are glad that it has been so. It is not only a symbol of the co-operation and support given to the World Health Organization by governments in the Western Pacific Region,but tangible evidence of the trust and confidence that the new facilities and accommodation will b effectively used in our effort to promote better health conditions for the peoples of this region. I also wish to assure the representatives of Member States Who are present this morning that I and my staff will faithfully and to the very best of our ability carry out the duties you have entrusted to us in the Western Pacific. - 15 - ADDRESS OF IE. ELPIDIO VAIENCIA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Mr. President, Dr. Fang, Dr. Kaul, Ladies and Gentlemen, WP/RC9/Mln/l Rev.l ANNEX 2 This occasion is another proud.moment for the Filipino nation. on this, the formal opening of the new regional headquarters of the World Health Organization, I wish to express what must be the sentiments of the millions of my countryman, -- their gratitude for this magnificent manifestation of humanitarianism. To the representatives of the ninth session of the Regional Committee who are gathered here today, I extend a heartfelt welcome on behalf of our Government. A few days before I assumed office as Secretary of Health, I had the privilege of attending World Health Day celebrations commemorating the tenth anniversary of WHO, sponsored by the Philippine Department of Health. At that gathering, the exemplary work of the World Health Organization in the Islands for the last ten years was reviewed. It was an impressive account and a very good example of what international assistance can do to help a nation in the process of rebuilding its health facilities. More than that, the assistance of WHO was instrumental in hastening not only the progress of health services in the Philippines but also the tempo of expansion and develop- ment of new medical services. The ten years of WHO in the Philippines have, without question, strengthened the health services of the country -- an objective which is paramount in all WHO field activities. The opening ceremony of the ninth session of the Regional Committe today is doubly significant. We are not only witnessing the inauguration of a new building -- we are today witnesses to the growth of confidence in the World Health Organization and to the realization that peoples of different nationa- li ties, creeds and beliefs, can work together towards a common goal. WHO represents the cravings of all peoples for a healthy way of life -- for equal opportunity to live a life free from the scourges and pestilences _and poverty that have plagued humanity since time began. This new building will symbolize therefore, the hopes and aspirations of all the peoples in the Western Pacific and the determination of the Member Governments to provide for their peoples a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health. I must also reiterate here that this beautiful building stands as a positive proof of the recognition by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines of the efficacy of WHO as an indispensable catalyst for health. It will forever remain as a concrete example of our deep abiding faith in the instrumentalities of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and in our belief in the need for nations to band together in the pursuit of peace for all humanity. /In the face ••• wp/RC9/Min/l Rev.l Annex 2 - 16 - In the face of uncertain world events, the conference to be held here should provide a refreshing breathing spell. I understand that this Regional Committee will discuss, among others, the intensified drive to eradicate malaria in the countries of the Region. I am pleased to inform this body that the Philippines is doing its utmost to eradicate malaria in the country and in this endeavour, we are receiving incalculable assistance from the United States International Cooperation Administration and the World Health Organization. Because of their valuable help} we my yet see the day when malaria and its debilitating effects on the human body is a thing of the past. Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all the success in your deliberations. I thank. you. - 17 - WP /RC9 /Min/l R v.l ANNEX 3 ADIEESS OF IE. P.M. KAUL, ASSISTANT DTIlECTOR-GENERAL WORLD HFALTH ORGANIZATION Your Excellency, I.a.dies and Gentlemen, I am deeply conscious, Mr. President, of the significance you have attaChed to this historic occasion in deciding to honour this celebration with your participation. On behalf of the Director-General, I want to express to you and through you the peoples of the Philippines the deep felt gratitude of the World Health Organization for the most generous way your country has responded to the needs of the Regional Office for the Western Pacific. I assure you that your leadership in facilitating this common enterprise has justifiably earned for you the gratitude of the Region and, indeed, of all the States Members of the Organization. The leading interest the Philippines have taken in the health conditions of this region goes b~ck to the early days of the Organization. In fact, it was ten years ago, just when WHO was coming into being, that the Executive Board of WHO took note of a letter addressed by the Delegation of the Government of the Philippines to the President of the World Health Assembly, whiCh requested the establishment in the Philippines of a regional office of the Organization for the Western Pacific area. It was well in keeping with this country's great interest in the welfare and happiness of the peoples of the Pacific, that the Regional Committee approved of Manila as the site for the Regional Office for this region. Subsequently, matching leadership with generosity your Government went on to make available not only the land required but a very substantial donation which is all the more generous coming so soon after your devastating war experience. I now turn to the countries of this region, which have come forward so readily and contributed so generously to the fund for the construction of this office. To each and all of them I want to express the gratitude of the World Health Organization for this inspiring material support and moral encouragement. This region extends far and wide embracing a diversity of nations and of peoples. Though this is neither the time nor the place to recall the pioneer international public-health effort witnessed in this part of the world during the last decade, one is inevitably reminded of it by this new enduring physical symbol of the collaboration and goodwill among the nations of the western Pacific determined, one and all, to raise the standards of health of their peoples. During these years of common endeavour you have all come to know Dr. Fang, our Regional Director. As I now entrust him in the name of the Director-General with the custody of this building I am confident that under his experienc d leadership this regional office, now so muCh better equipped for its task, will continue in the years ahead to win your confidence and to justify your faith. /It is ••• WP jRC9!Min!1 Rev.l Annex 3 - 18 - It is, I feel, appropriate on this occasion to pay a warm tribute to so many technical experts from the Philippines whom their Government, in spite of its own needs, has made available to WHO and who are currently assisting the health efforts of so many others while carrying a message of friendship and goodwill to so many distant lands. It gives me great pleasure, in conclusion, to express the appreciation of the Organization to the people of the City of Manila who have enabled us to carryon with our task in such undisturbed tranquility and to the Government of this fair land which, receiving us with so much courtesy and hospitality, ha.s been so consistently in the forefront in its support for the campaign waged by the World Health Organi2ation for the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health by all peoples everywhere. - 19 - WP/RC9/Min/l Rev.l ANNEX 4 ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELlENCY THE PRESIDENr OF THE PHILIPPINES Ten years ago last Ma;y , with the echoes of the world's most destruct! ve war still reverberating all over the globe, a new organization was born Which has since achieved a success transcending all poli t:l. cal, cultural and social boundaries. That boC\}r was the World Health Organization, one of mankind's eloquent testimonials to the universal desire for the betterment and the improvement of the human race. More than e:ny quasi-political body, more than any of the so-called entangling alliances with Which our globe is ridden today, the World Health Organization has proved itself to be an effective instrumentality for promoting the cause of world peace. Because the human boC\}r is a common denominator among all peoples in all lands, because it possesses an inherent capacity for suffering that is not differentiated by race, creed or nationality, the World Health Organization has achieved that rare uni yersali ty Which gives promise of a longevity that may not be the lot of other global groups. And for having been invited to become a member of this august organization, the Philippines continues to be grateful. . Today, as we proceed 'With the inauguration of this new building, this eloquent {3ymbol of our desire and our wish to actively partiCipate in all ef- forts and activities for the benefit of mankind, I am gratified beyond measure to note that our membership in the World Health Organization has been produc- ing, and continues to produce, outstanding results. Ten years of clo'se collaboration 'With medical progress, as exemplified by the World Health Organization's signal leadership, have produced salutary ef- fects in the lives and in the health of our people. The evidence is everywhere for us to see. But, because good health is something most of us take in stride, we rare] y appreCiate it until it is no longer ours. The great sco~ges of our country, like tuberculosis, are now on the decline. Effective control and preventive measures have reduced to the minimum epidemics. Ma.l.aria is almost exterminated. The mass communicable diseases, Which only a few decades ago held our people in mortal terror, have been vanquished. In the overall tally, our people have become healthier, taller, heavier, more resistant to disease and more aware of the sane health habits 'Which are so necessary in the tremendous job of nation-building. The importance of this can never be underestimated. You and I know that before a nation can engage in productive work, before it can even start to bl.ueprint plans for the advancement of its peopl.e, it must have healthy men and women to form the nucl.eus of its efforts. /That we have ... WP /RC9 lMin,/l Rev. 1 Annex 4 - 20 - That we have such a constantly growing nucleus today is perhaps one of the greatest blessings that this country could ever have. It is a natural' wealth more precious than even material riches. Without health, without the vigour and vitality to push forward the ambitious undertaJdngs that we have planned for ourselves and our people, our work would be meaningless. The signal achievements in the field of health that this country has made are due not only to the great vigour of our people and of our government, but to the World Health Organization as well. As a co-ordinating and assisting agency in international health work, the WHO has ignited the spark that led to the effective development of national health planning and action. That vital spark lit the flame which has now illumined our country. And in our gratitude for this invaluable help" we are trying our utmost to keep abreast of all the world developments which may one day have a bearing on the lives and the existence of people everywhere. Let me mention just one: The world health situation is posing a problem to economists and demogra- phers a.lik.e. Dec) jni ng death rates and lengthening of the average life span have combined with a continuing and an increasing birth rate to bring about an enormous increase in world population. This naturally means more people to feed, to clothe and to shelter. The disequilibrium in population and economic resources becomes even greater in countries that are less developed. A balance must be struck which will ensure a decent living for everyone and preserve world peace. In this age of the atom and of space tra",el, man can find the answer to his pressing elementary needs in science and technology. There is need for a con- tinuing search which will keep mankind not only alive but living well. Dr. Milton Eisenhower of the Johns Hopkins University, speaking on behalf of the President of the United states before your Health Assembly at Minneapolis in May this year, underlined the importance and the value of research. The most tangible concern which he gave to it was the voluntary offer by the United states Government of an initial amount of money for spurring research under the auspices of the World Health Organization. The United Nations and its specialized agenCies are proving to be effective instruments in interna-cional efforts at collaborative activities in various fields. I understand that the World Health Organization, one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations, has eighty-eight Member states. It is perhaps the one specialized agency that has the moat number of members. one is heartened to know that at least in the health field, peoples everywhere seem to unite readily and cohesively in the pursuit of a common universal purpose. In our Region in the Western PacifiC, the Philippines is strongly committed in its adherence to the Organization. This building which we are about to for- ma.J.ly open is our modest contribution to the cause of the health of the peoples /within the Region •••• - 21 - WP /RC9 /Mj;n/l Rev. 1 Annex 4 within the Region. I am extremely gratified to know that aside from the amount set aside by the Organization as its contribution to the construction of this building, the countries within the Region have given separate individual con- tributions which 'Will permit the construction of an additional floor. I wish to make particular mention of the inscription in the plaque 'Which is exhipited in the Office Building that we are now inaugurating and which reads as follows: lIJ.'his building is dedicated to the principle declared in the Constitution of the World Health Organization that the lIhealth of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and states I • Its creation has been made .possible by the generosity of the Republic of the Philippines and other Member states of the World Health Organization, notably those of the Western Pacific Region.- Again on behalf of the Government of the Philippines, I welcome you cor- dially. I am informed that in the course of your session, or after it, you w1ll be observing some of our health activities and centres. I hope that you will find in them something which could be useful in your ow countries, that you will give them, in turn, the benefit of your suggestions and advice. I take much pleasure now in opening this new building and in welcoming you all to your ninth session. . WP/Rc9/Mln/l Rev.l - 22 - ADDRESS OF DR. G. GRAHAM-CUMMING (Retiring Chairman) ANNEX 5 Distinguished. Representatives, it is with regret that I must crave your indulgence and proffer all due apology for my failure to attend in person to open the business of this ninth annual meeting of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Committee but the exigencies of my Service require my presence in Hong Kong at this time. Hong Kong however, is more than adequately represented in the person of my respected. Director, Dr. D.J.M. Mackenzie, C.M.G., O.B.E., whom it is my privilege and pleasure to introduce. Dr. Mackenzie has but recently come amongst Us of the Western Pacific Region but he has long had close associations with the work of the World Health OrganiZation in Africa and brings with him the wisdom ·of many years of experience in public health during his long and distinguished. career which has taken him over most of that continent, East, West and Central. In my opening remarks at the eighth meeting last year I had. the privilege of congratulating Malaya on attaining independent Statehood. and expressed the hope that this year we would. be able to welcome Malaya as an active Member of the Organisation. That hope bas now been realised and I have much pleasure in officially welcoming the Representative of Malaya as he formally takes his seat amongst us as a full Member. The Malayan Representative formerly sat as one of the Un! ted Kingdom Delegation and., as a former colleague on that delegation, it gives me particular pride and satisfaction to welcome this young Member of the British Cominonwealth of Nations, linked together, as all families are, more by ties of affection, tradition and ideals than anything else, which has so recently reached adult Statehood. and. is not only so ably exercising these rights but also so promptly shouldering the full responsibilities of that status. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the formation of the World Health Organization and it is fitting that we should. pause and. take stock of the situation, consider what has been accomplished. and. where we are going. Above all we must look afresh at the fundamental objective underlying the organiZation of this particular health agency, the purpose for which it exists and the cause which it is intended to serve. Only by so doing can we truly assess the degree of success achieved or detect how far we may be deviating from our goal or falling short. In the multifarious details of the working of our programmes it is only too easy to lose sight of our main objective. We see looming large only our own immediate objective, forgetting it is but a small sector of the main campaign, while worry, frustration, disappointment over delays and slow progress or discontent over the non-success of some pet scheme are apt to find expression in complaints and. criticisms and protests levelled against everyone else, and. particularly the World. Health Organization, and blind us to the greater issues and ideals for which the World. Health Organisation stands and serves. This anniversary year affords an appropriate opportunity then to pause and. reflect and refresh our vision so that we may the better judge our work. /First perhaps it ••• - 23 - WP /RC9/Min/l Rev.l Annex 5 First perhaps it might be as well to remind ourselves of what the World Health Organization is not. Misconceptions do arise even from the very working of the Organization. The World Health Organization is not, as some have been apt to assume, a supranational Health Authority dictating policy for Member States to follow. It does not lay down any laws as to what shall or shall not be done to promote health or check disease. It does not overrule or impose its will on any of its Member States. It has no authority nor any power to enforce any health measure it may deem advisable. It can function only through and by consent of the Governments of the States willing to avail themselves of its services. Nor is it in any way a select club serving only those States which can join as Members. Its services are available to any State that cares to ask for them. Above all it is not some kind of international charity through which the wealthier and more technically advanced countries dole out assistance to their poorer relations, imposing their culture and concepts in the process as a kind of condition for bestowing their generOSity. This latter . is perhaps the most common and the most dangerous misconception and all too easy to foster and form in the absence of an understanding of the true nature of this organization. No, the World Health Organization is neither an over- ruling supreme Health Authority nor yet an international charity. Yet it does give advice on health matters, it does indicate how, in its opinion, various problems can or ought to be tackled, it even dares to ask for detailed reports from its Members on their work, often to their annoyance, and it does give all manner of help in organizing health services generally. What then is this organization that has no power or authority to impose its will and yet ex rcises so much influence throughout the world? For many years it had become increasingly obvious to public-health workers that their best efforts to protect their own area could be rendered null and void through bad health conditions in a neighbouring area. As the speed and convenience of transport increased and international commerce developed, it became increasingly clear that, in matters of health as in others, no nation can live unto itself. It became obvious that health can be adequately protected and promoted only by some means of international co-operation. The first attempt to achieve this on a world-wide basis was made by the League of Nations, now rapidly being forgotten. Though the League my have failed in most of its efforts, it did not fail in its health efforts. It laid a sound foundation of international co-operation on which a greater superstructure could and is now being built. As the concept of what constituted real health grew and developed,ideas on what was required to promote and protect it broadened. The objectives of the old League, largely restricted to preventing the spread of epidemic diseases, control of the drug traffic and standardization of nomenclature, dosage, potency, etc., became inadequate. The idea gradually took shape of a voluntary banding together of all nations as free and equal partners to pool all their scientific and medical knowledge, their skill and experience, so that the best that human wit and wisdom could devise could be applied to the solution of the gigantic problem of coping everywhere with all the factors adversely affecting human health, mental as well as physical and all these resources, the combined experience, skill and knowledge of the whole world, placed at the service of mankind as a whole in an effort to promote and protect the health of every human-being in every land regardless /of his existing ••• WP /RC9/Min/l Rev.l Annex 5 - 24 - of his existing circumstances, degree of civilization or lack of it, wealth or poverty. It was not to be a banding together of some of the bigger and better organized nations to help the less fortunate but OfIall nations in a co-opera- tive effort to improve the lot of all. The objective, simply, is to combine and collate the sum total of all human knowledge and resources in relation to health and to share out these combined resources to all mankind according to need. And for this object the Vlorld Health Organization was formed. It is a sublime concept, almost an idealistic dream, breathtaking in its audacity yet it is not impractical and with many a discouraging set-back, it is slowly, but surely being realized. What has been aChieved in ten years is astounding in the face of the political dissensions, jealousies, misunder- standings and suspicions that mar international relations in these days. and so sadly hamper co-operation. Naturally the goal has not been reached. We have still far to go but the success that has attended our initial efforts should inspire greater faith and effort in striving to attain our ultimate objective. It is not surprising however if at times we do lose sight of this great vision when worried, say, over trying to cope with an outbreak of chol ra in our vicinity with inadequate staff and facilities. We may often be tempted to grow cynical about suCh grandiose ideals yet, I repeat, the World Health Organization is nothing less than an organized attempt to pool and share the combined resources of the entire world so that every nation and indeed every person may enjoy the best of possible health. Unless we can keep this great ideal shining before us as the light of our inspiration we will never fully understand nor properly appreCiate the World Health Organization. It is open to all States to co-operate, contributing, according to ability, of their wealth, experiences and skill and there is no State that has nothing to contribute to this effort to benefit the entire human race. Some States of course are better placed than others as regards organized medical services, material wealth or wealth of experience and facilities. Naturally, having more, they are expected to and do contribute more. This however confers no special privilege upon them. They are still equal partners with but the same voice in the Organization as the smallest and humblest struggling State in need of the greatest help. Nor is there such a thing as a purely giving State nor yet a purely receiving state. In the interchange of knowledge, experience and dedicated service that goes on in the World Health Organization all are givers and all are reCipients if in varying degree. The World Health Organi- zation is a truly democratic organization in which all Members have an equal VOice, equal rights and. . reSponsibilities and it can operate only by the willing consent and co-operation of its Members. It exists to serve all mankind. Naturally the World Health Organization does give, on request, assistance and guidance where assistance and guidance are needed to the limit of its ability. It does not however dole out indiscriminate charity and it is not a body to which a State can appeal for just anything it thinks it needs - as it might to a philanthropic charitable foundation. Members are expected to be workers and contributors and no one gets something for nothing. This giving of assistance is always a delicate matter and, unless handled with discretion, can do more harm than good. I have seen it stated in print that one of the functions of the World Health Organization is to assist the more backward States to achieve a better standard of health. This is a somewhat un;f'ortunate way to have stated the case and might be better amended, one of' those little thicgs that might have been better phrased, f'or it is apt to imply that" the recipients of assistance fare in some ••• - 25 - WP/RC9/Min/l Re'Y'.11 Annex 5 are in some way ini'erior and this, human beings being what they are, is Sl't to be resented. No one cares to be made to feel inferior however illogically or unreasonably and the resentment aroused,even if it is only subconscious,~ produce unfortunate repercussions 'Which the kindly philanthropic bestower of largesse is apt to regard as ingratitude and be hurt, offended and resent in turn. This was viv:l.dly illustrated to me by a senior official in the Health Services of one European state in discussing with me the help he had received from a neighbouring European state to rebuild his war-devastated Health Services. 'Yes', he Said, 'they have given us money and built large new hospitals for us and equipped them with the best modern equipment and now they 'WOnder 'Why we don't love them~" -wok what we have done for you", they sa:y J "haven r t we helped you? • 'Yes they have - damn them! II he exploded. If, by a irbackward State' is meant a state in need of assistance from the World Health Organization, then there can hardly be a state in the world that is not "backward II for, unless I am seriously m1sini'ormed, there is hardly any state that has not received some form of assistance from the World Health Organization and certainly none that cannot benefit from its functiOning. It is axiomatic in the gi v:l.ng of assistance that, if that assistance is to be of real help , it must be given in such a wa:y as to stimulate and encour~e self-effort, thus contributing to self .. respect, and this is preCisely what the World Health Organization endeavours to do. Whatever aid is offered, be it in special training or in organizing Health Services or special CaJIij,>a1gns, the Orgatl1zation al'W9\Y'S expects the reCipient to make some reciprocal effort at least equal in potential health value to the assistance g1 ven, if it is at all possible. As I have indicated the World Health Organization is a -WOrking part- nership. It is not a means whereby a health authority can get its 'WOrk done for it. It is a means whereby any health authority can get advice and hell> to enable it to do its 'WOrk better, but it still has to do the 'WOrk itself. M>re- over, the Organization gives help only when asked. I said it was no charitable foundation. It is more like a bank with which depositors can run an account and get interest on their deposits but 'What one gets out of it depends on what one puts into it and 'What one asks from it against reasonable security. It is the World Bank of Health Resources. All nations are invited to become shareholders of this bank, this co- ordinating, co..operative, mutuaJ. assistance society of nations operating an the principles ~of self -help but backed by the vast reserve of the combined resources of all shareholders. The ideal that inspires its being is nothing less than that all men everywhere may triumph over their environmental hazards, bend natural circumstances and forces to their service, understand and mast r their own nature and menta.lity and learn to live in abounding health and v:l.gour in comfort and security with full satisfaction. All health workers are dedicated to the promotion of such a standard of health within their own limited sphere of responsibility but this concept embraces all mankind, the stronger helping the weaker to overcome their weaknesses but each helping all others. Wi th this vision before us we can see the work of the Organization in better perspective and serve and use it more intelligently. It was designed to accomplish a stupendous project, an idealistic dream if you will. The degree of success it can achieve, the degree to 'Which this dream of abounding health for all can be realized, depends on our united efforts. WP/RC9/M1n/l Rev.l - 26 - ADDRESS OF DR. H.E. DOWNES (Incoming Chairman) ANNEX 6 This session has been concluded so rapidly that I wish to reverse my proposal to prepare a speech. Therefore you will pardon any defects in oratory it' I give you the speech, in colloquial terms and "off the cuff". It is a very great pleasure to come to this session of the Western Pacific Region and to meet again, a year later, colleagues we have met from this exten- sive region. It is also nice to meet again our charming Filipino hosts. I am very privileged to be the Chairman, the first Chairman, in this wonderful building. I am gratified that since Dr. Candau could not come himself, he allowed his Assistant Director-General to represent him here. I hope he learns something from the Region. I wish to join in the words of the departing Chair- man in welcoming to the Committee a new member of WHO in the person of Dr. Tan from the Federation of Malaya. It is customary for the Cha1man to address the Committee on something which he considers of interest, as well as discussing WHO matters. This committee is a forum for the interchange of ideas. We learn much from one another concerning our national health administrations and I desire to address you on a topic that I discussed with one or two of you representatives yester- day, and that concerns national health budgetting and communicable disease. My interest in this had been excited because just before I left our national capital, I asked the Accountant of our Department how much money we were giving health for 1958/1959, and how much money is required from the Treasury. He extracted some figures from the budget documents which enabled me to ascertain whether health was getting a fair proportion. I have these written figures and I have endeavoured to convert them from Australian pounds to dollars and, just as an exercise, I have converted the dollars expended on the population on health services to per capita amounts. N~w our budget for a population of ten million comes to a staggering amount of 3000 million dollars. I find that health, that is our own Department is getting 140 million dollars to spend in 1958/ 1959, which is $14 per head. Mind you, this is a small amount because we live in a federation and there is reimbursement to the States of approximately 600 million dollars and I would imagine that the States which are responsible for hospitals and mental health services get their 5 per cent. or more of the amount allocated to the States for health. I will endeavour to show you my workings of where this $14 is going to go in 1958/1959 from the Commonwealth. First of all, 40 cents for administration, 30 cents to aid the States, of every 90 cents capital spent on mental institutions, 84 cents to aid, to give medical services to our aged pensioners, on a fee-for-service basis with the medical profession of Australia, one dollar and 30 cents for the broad other activities, the non-specialist acti- vities of the Department. Now in our country, as in other countries, we have found that medical services are increasing in cost. We have stimulated health and hospital insurance voluntarily, and providing the hospital or medical insurance organization is a non-profit organization, the Government matches what those organizations pay for the total cost for which the people have insured. We find that over one-half of the people of Australia pay their premiums about /30 cents .•• - 27 - wp/RC9LMin/l Rev.l Annex 6 30 c~nts a week for medical benefits and those Who pay have a·third of their nedical fees paid by the insurance organization, a third paid for by the Cor.mtomveal th Government, and a third paid right out of their own pockets. T~~cc quarters of the people of Australia, more than three quarters, are covered for hospital benefits and like in every other place in the world, the cost of hospital administration is increasing. The Commonwealth contribution to medical be~efits is 1.85 dollars per person a year. The amount for hospital benefits is ).2 dollars per capita per year. These are colossal figures, but now of the remaining expenditure there are three that I want particularly to bring to the notlc~ of Members of the World Health Organization. The first is expended on tuberculosis control. Now we were never in the :E'ore~'r~nt of tuberculosis sufferers in the world. Ten years ago, we grasped the nettle and have spent an enormous amount of money on tuberculosis control beC9.1,:oC it is a chain reaction and we want to eliminate it in a generation or two. Some people say that we have overspent. The incidence of tuberculosis in ten years is halved and the hospitals we just completed are now shOWing er.l:9ty beds. This year we are still spending $1. 65 per head on tuberculosis, but it is paying off. We subsidize the States for the Whole of the capital expe~diture on tuberculosis control and we pay every increase on tuberculosis m'1ir.tenance over a base year 1947. But we believe that the first priority is givinr, sood value for its money. Now, in Australia, we have a colossal drug bill - free medicine, Which inclules all the antibiotics and all the disease-controlling and life-saving Ciru.ss, amounts to $3.78 per head per year. Fortunately, with the use .Of triple vO-cd ne J the incidence of the ordinary infectious diseases has dropped enor- mot'.sly. We are only hoping that we will find the cause of infectious hepatitis wh~ch is worrying us somewhat at the present time in Australia. Thf're are 60 cents per capita spent in the Conunonwealth Serum Iaboratories. ~lis laboratory makes vaccines that prevent diseases. We have produced poliO y:.;,;c;;'ne and we have completed already the vaccination of 95 per cent. or more of ·~he children under 14. We think it will be a little more difficult to i~mru~ize the adult population as rapidly because they appear more casual than t1:1e children. But that same serum laboratory produces all our penicillin; it is ~0W producing penicillin V. In our yaws and treponeme control projects in the future, we wonlt even need to have a medical assistant to use the needle. Our Commonwealth Serum Laboratories makes our anti-cholera vaccine and we were v~~J happy to be first in the field during the time of the Minneapolis meeting t,:, ;:12lw a donation of several thousands of doses to our friends in another region, in B[1,~gkc!t. All that we had ampouled, we sent. But there is another product in the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories Which 1s also mnufactured in other laooratories in this region which I would recommend to those countries who have smallpox in an endemic form, calf lymph. Starting, possibly owing to my Scotch ancestry, when I was much younger I was enabled to vaccinate five people from one tube of vaccine costing 10 cents. That is how cheap it was and yet a course of' Salk vaccine in our country costs us well over a dollar. We have sixty people worll:ing in our COllJllOtl'Wee.Jth Serum Laborutories making the new Asian flu vaccine a~d ~s it is produced on eggs it is quite a costly thing. I "lOuld recommend to the members and my colleagues on this committee, the :'1inutes dealing with, I think, resolution 54 of the Eleventh World Health AESemO}.y on the discussion of smallpox eradication, Where it is endemic. /Where it is ••• wp/RC9iMin/l Rev.l Annex 6 - 28 - Where it is not endemic, of course, there are some dangers, but this is the least costly of all the preventive measures we have against communicable diseases and in a document I received last night it was reported smallpox is increasing throughout the world. I would conclude my address on national budgets and communicable disease on this note. I will recall to your minds the axiom, with a few words added by the representative of Australia: "Prevention is better than cure -- and is cheaper".